An Exploratory Analysis of the Roles of Nurses on a Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit in South Korea Perceived by Pediatric Rehabilitation Professionals

Abstract

Rehabilitation addresses not only children’s disabilities but also their physical, psychological, social, and cultural impairments. Hence, pediatric rehabilitation adopts a multidisciplinary approach; it encompasses the vital role of not only physicians and rehabilitation therapists, but also of nurses. This study conducts a content analysis of the experiences of healthcare professionals specializing in pediatric rehabilitation to explore the roles nurses working on pediatric rehabilitation units are expected to perform. After analyzing the interviews with 12 experts in pediatric rehabilitation, the roles of pediatric rehabilitation nurses were broadly categorized into five areas (caregivers, team members, counselors, researchers, and educators) with eight sub-groups and 24 specific roles. This study is significant because it provides profound insights into the roles of pediatric rehabilitation nurses in Korea. These insights can serve as foundational data for formulating policies for healthcare personnel in pediatric rehabilitation, and provide evidence for establishing a much-needed system for certified rehabilitation nurses in Korea.