Rehabilitation Experiences and Support Needs of Patients With Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain Based on the ICF Framework: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) multi-dimensionally affects the rehabilitation process of stroke survivors. Although previous literature has explored post-stroke functional recovery, empirical qualitative investigations into the authentic rehabilitation experiences and deep care needs of this specific population during hospitalisation remain to be further elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

Guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, this study aimed to explore the rehabilitation experiences and multidimensional needs of hospitalised stroke patients with HSP, with a view to informing the development of comprehensive, evidence-based clinical rehabilitation support pathways.

METHODS

A descriptive phenomenological qualitative research approach was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 stroke inpatients with HSP for semi-structured in-depth interviews to systematically investigate their lived experiences and care demands during the rehabilitation cycle. The interview data were analyzed and thematic structures were extracted using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method.

RESULTS

The qualitative analysis revealed that HSP exerted multi-dimensional negative impacts on stroke patients, including physical function limitations, a lack of rehabilitation knowledge, negative emotional distress, restricted social participation, and heavy economic pressure. Consequently, four core domains of rehabilitation needs during hospitalisation were identified: symptom management and psychological support, rehabilitation training and functional reshaping support, comprehensive environmental and social resource support, and patient-oriented health empowerment.

CONCLUSION

Confirming the bio-psycho-social model of chronic pain, this study highlights that the negative consequences of HSP extend far beyond physical motor restrictions. To address these urgent needs, it is imperative to establish a patient-centred, nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaborative intervention model, in which targeted health empowerment and multidisciplinary symptom management serve as critical entry points to break the rehabilitation deadlock during hospitalisation.