Nursing practice in inpatient rehabilitation: A narrative review (part 1)

Abstract

Aim: To review research literature examining the practice of nursing in inpatient rehabilitation. This paper presents one of the two main themes identified in this narrative review, namely the nature of nursing practice in inpatient rehabilitation. Design: A narrative review and critical appraisal of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies. Data sources: A search of the relevant literature published 2004-2017 was carried out in CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Pubmed, Health Collection and Health and Society Database, Embase, and AMED databases. Review methods: A total of 33 out of 2,815 papers identified in the search met the inclusion criteria for this review. A narrative review of the papers was undertaken by synthesising the key findings and grouping them into concepts and emergent themes. Findings: This paper presents one of the two main themes identified in this narrative review, namely the nature of nursing practice in inpatient rehabilitation. Under this theme three sub-themes were evident - nurse-initiated care, nursing care to support patient goals, and emotional care to support biographical adjustment. Conclusion: The review highlights how nurses work to support patients goal achievement, but also shines a bright light on nursing s role in the management of patients health conditions and the provision of emotional support.