Neurological disease is the most common cause of long-term disability. Approximately 100,000 individuals in Switzerland live with the consequences of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), multiple sclerosis (MS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although the symptoms and limitations experienced vary by diagnosis and the individual’s disease progression, the types of limitations experienced in motor function, body perception and proprioception are similar. Over the years, nurses at the Swiss Rehabilitation Center in Valens have developed an intervention that promotes that mobility, functionality, perception and kinesthetic competence The effectiveness of this mobility promoting nursing intervention (known by its German acronym MfP) in improving functional ability and quality of life has been successfully demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
It is unclear how the affected patients experience the MfP intervention and what meaning they attribute to the promotion of their kinesthetic competence and mobility.
This study aims to gain insight on the patient perspective on this experience. Design
A qualitative design was selected to provide an opportunity for these affected individuals to speak to their experience, in order to gain insight and understanding of the patient’s personal environment. The interviews were conducted at the conclusion of a randomized controlled trial testing the mobility intervention. We were able to interview the 61 participants (of 70 to start) that completed the intervention. For the qualitative analysis of the collected data, an interpretive phenomenological approach was used. Expected Benefit
This study makes a significant contribution to evidence-based nursing, by providing nurses with insight on the patient experience. This allows the nurse to better read a patient’s reaction and respond appropriately. Moreover, the patient’s expertise is recognized and acknowledged. The knowledge gained enhances nursing practice.
Keywords: Experience, Mobility-enhancing nursing intervention, phenomenology,
rehabilitation