Effects of a stroke rehabilitation education programme for nurses

This paper reports a study which aimed to explore the effects of education on the practice of nurses working in stroke rehabilitation units. A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design was used to study two stroke rehabilitation units. Non-participant observation was conducted during morning care sessions, focusing on styles of physical interaction. Base-line observations were recorded in each unit, after which the staff in the intervention unit received 7 hours’ education, specifically focused on therapeutic handling in relation to morning care activities. Following this, postintervention observations were conducted and comparisons of interaction styles made between units. Education for nurses which aims to change styles of interaction with stroke patients can be effective. However, further research is required to identify the effect of nursing interventions on patient outcomes following stroke.