Exploring the training needs of nurses in a selected rehabilitation hospital in enhancing the self-concept of patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Patients who have experienced spinal cord injuries while undergoing rehabilitation in hospital frequently encounter changes in their self-concept. These changes can result in poor health outcomes and longer hospital stays. Nurses working in these rehabilitation hospitals are tasked with caring for patients who have an altered self-concept, but they often lack guidance on how to enhance the patients’ self- concept. As a result, patients with an altered self-concept may lack motivation to engage in rehabilitation activities. While in-service trainings are available to address basic conditions associated with spinal cord injuries, the issue of altered self-concept is not adequately addressed.

Aim: To explore and describe the training needs of nurses in a selected rehabilitation hospital in enhancing the self-concept of patients with spinal cord injuries.

Methodology: The study employed an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative research design. The participants consisted of 20 nurses employed in a rehabilitation hospital located in Gauteng. The participants were purposely sampled. Data was gathered through individual, semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using Tesch’s method.

Findings: Four main themes emerged, namely: knowledge of self-concept, identification of an altered self-concept, interventions to enhance an altered self- concept, and training needs to enhance an altered self-concept. There is inconsistency in the nurses’ knowledge regarding self-concept in the rehabilitation hospital setting. While nurses are able to identify an altered self-concept in patients, there is a need for strategies to enhance it. The need for training in this area was expressed, as their

current practice involves relying on their own skills to interact with patients with spinal cord injuries, without any specific guidance or training.

Conclusion: Addressing the training needs of nurses to enhance patients’ self- concept is crucial in improving their overall well-being and rehabilitation outcomes. Providing specialised training and guidance in this area would enable nurses to better support and motivate patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and shorter hospital stays.