Practice and Learning Needs of Rehabilitation Nurses Caring for Patients with Brain Tumors

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the practice and learning needs of rehabilitation nurses while caring for patients with brain tumors.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 nurses involved in the care of patients with brain tumors. The responses were qualitatively analyzed based on “practices” and “learning needs” related to rehabilitation nursing for brain tumor patients.

Results: For “practice,” the theme of “Rehabilitation care for patients with brain tumors as perceived by nurses” emerged. Regarding “learning needs,” the theme of “issues in rehabilitation care for patients with brain tumors as perceived by nurses” was identified. Nurses involved with patients with brain tumors were exploring the practice of rehabilitation nursing while having learning needs that reflected the disease-specific characteristics of brain tumors.

Discussion: It is considered necessary to develop nursing education methods that address the learning needs by integrating the knowledge and skills possessed by nurses.