Problems in Post Disaster Rehabilitation and Nursing Aftermath of the Sichuan Earthquake

Abstract

　This study aims to clarify problems facing post-disaster rehabilitation and nursing, and considers what learning curricula and methods are needed by nurses involved in post-disaster rehabilitation. It frames its approach by setting it in the context of the one-year aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, and is based on group interviews conducted with healthcare professionals. The interviews were qualitatively analyzed, and characteristics of victims were themed as <patients with many complications who need time for recovery and have little family support>, <rehabilitation's effectiveness in solving patients' psychological problems>, <differences in rehabilitation needs in urban and rural areas> and <have serious psychological problems>. The study explores difficulties in providing rehabilitation such as <the pre-existing lack of rehabilitation resources and the situation became worse after the earthquake>, <the workload of healthcare professionals increased>, and <the feeling of powerlessness among professionals based on their awareness of lacking rehabilitation knowledge and skills>. It finds that problems with the provision of rehabilitation include <responding to victims' changing rehabilitation needs>, <establishing a rehabilitation foothold in the stricken area>, <carrying out necessary practical training for service provision prior to the establishment of rehabilitation systems>, <providing education opportunities for patients and families>, <establishing a comprehensive medical care system including rehabilitation>, and <ensuring the availability of learning opportunities for systematic rehabilitation knowledge and skills>. It also recognizes problems in nursing such as <awareness of the importance of patient education>, <the development of rehabilitation nurses' communication skills>, <the acquisition of nursing skills for patients' functioning reacquisition>, <the establishment of professionalism in rehabilitation nursing>, <the standardization of rehabilitation nursing skills>, and <dealing with the cultural barriers to providing psychological support>. Based on these results, the study examines problems of post-disaster rehabilitation and suggests learning content and methods for nurses involved with it.