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Based on the data obtained from the individual measurements, progress was noted in locomotor and self-service activities. In the experimental group, patients who were immobilized during the initial stage of the study, regained independence to a considerable extent to the end of the study--more so in Group E (experimental), compared to Group K (control). Non-significant differences were noted between the two groups in the values concerning self-service independence; however, the effects were higher in Group E, and the differences indicated by means of the test function remained on the level of significance p = 0.001.

Measurement consists in ascribing symbols to observed values of the investigated traits and in comparing the established indicators of the object measured with a proper standard equipped with a scale. In nursing, measurement means specific activities realized by a nurse in order to obtain information concerning the quantitative description of certain traits occurring in an individual patient. Measurement is performed by means of a scale. The following scales are distinguished: nominal, ordinal, quotient and interval, the latter being most frequently applied in nursing. Self-care efficiency of a neurological patient, functional independence of a neurological patient and the level of health education in neurology were examined, among other things, by means of this scale.

Cerebral stroke usually affects people over 60, however, it becomes increasingly more frequent among the younger population. Early mobilization and preparation of a patient for self-service by the encouragement to active participation in washing, using the toilet, eating, dressing, etc. is of the utmost importance in preventing complications and regaining independence. The main educational tasks concerning patients who have undergone cerebral stroke are, among others, life style, locomotor activity, nutrition, elimination of alcohol and cigarette smoking as well as patients' abilities to cope with stress. The scale presents the level of health education of patients after stroke.

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of psycho-social independence among neurological patients. The study was conducted by means of the Neurological Patients' Psycho-Social Independence Scale developed by the author, and covered 120 patients--51 males and 69 females aged 21-72; unmarried--34 and married--86, with the level of education: elementary--33, secondary school--79 and university--8; who had cerebral stroke--67, multiple sclerosis--31, radicular syndrome--22. During the first stage of the study psycho-social independence remained primarily on the medium level with respect to the knowledge concerning life style, apart from the consumption of alcohol, strong tea and coffee, the patients showing a good knowledge of this problem prior to the implementation of the education programme. With respect to skills and the remaining psycho-social aspects (motivation, self-acceptance, social functioning, intellectual efficiency) the respondents represented primarily a very high or high level during the second study. Unfortunately, a considerable number of patients still showed a medium or low level. Population who represented a very high and high levels of psycho-social independence, increased by 25.0%.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of a nurse in rehabilitation of patients with hemiparesis. The study covered 60 patients--21 males and 39 females, aged 39-65, who underwent cerebral stroke and retained good verbal contact. While the patients were performing various instrumental-manual activities they were trained for self-care activities, and the effects were analysed. Self-care activities included hygienic activities and control of the body functions, such as: control of cardiovascular parameters, consumption of meals, control of sphincter muscles, prevention of muscular contractures and atrophy, as well as bed-sores and hemi-neglect syndrome. At Stage 1 of the study a considerable percentage of patients (approx. 50%) represented a lower category of self-care, while at Stage 2 the greatest number of patients attained a higher category (approx. 73.0%). In general, a considerable increase was noted in the percentage of patients who were efficient with respect to self-care, i.e. by 23.0%.

The assumption of the study was to show the differences in shaping self-care by patients in two different models of nursing: traditional and modern (nursing process). In Group E self-care efficiency increased from the initial value of 10.02 to 31.13 in the third measurement, i.e. over three times, whereas in Group C--from 9.93 to 19.15 i.e., it was nearly twice as high. Only positive effects of changes were observed in both groups which consisted of patients attaining higher categories of self-care.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nursing care on the process of regaining functional independence by neurological patients. The study covered 80 patients--28 males and 52 females, aged 39-67. The data concerning patients were collected by means of a questionnaire and observation. The results obtained were expressed as a definite number of scores on the Neurological Patient's Functional Independence Scale developed by the author. The study was conducted twice among the same patients.

Providing high quality of nursing care is extremely important with respect to the specific character of neurology, dealing with negative consequences of chronic and incurable diseases which often lead to disability. Quality in nursing denotes the degree of achieving the desired effects with respect to the state of health and health promoting attitudes. The precondition for the provision of quality is the development and implementation of the standards of care. The standard is an average typical model or pattern which is attainable and measurable, i.e. a basic level below which the performance is not acceptable. A standard contains the following criteria: structural (staff, technology, finance), process (provision of services), and effect measuring the effectiveness of the nursing care. The evaluation was conducted in the Neurology Ward at State Hospital No. 4 in Lublin by the assessment of the work of nurses and its effects, based on a sample of 85 patients. Evaluation was carried out by comparing the nursing standard provided in practice and the theoretical standard which covered a complete realisation of the structural criteria and partial fulfillment of process and effect criteria. This resulted in the majority of patients (61.5%) obtaining optimum functional independence.

The aim of the study was to determine the level of health education among 45 patients with radicular syndrome--21 males and 24 females aged 23-64. The level of health education was measured twice: prior to and after health education. At Stage I of the study the level of knowledge was generally low, the mean percentage of correct answers to all questions being 43.0%; whereas at Stage II this percentage was significantly higher, the level of knowledge was defined as satisfactory and increased by 33.4% reaching the value 76.5%. The highest level of knowledge was observed with respect to the principles concerning lifting and handling loads, as well as learning; while the lowest level--with respect to the correct standing position, both during the first and the second measurement (slightly over 50% of respondents correctly described this position.