Nursing models and self-concept in patients with spinal cord injury—a comparison between UK and Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to investigate rehabilitation nurses’ care for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). It also examines how rehabilitation nurses perceive their role in assessing the alteration of self-concept and the interventions they use in helping patients to develop a more positive perception of themselves. A critical review of common models in use was undertaken including Roper, Logan and Tierneyʹs Activities of Living Model, Royʹs Adaptation Model and Oremʹs Self-care Deficit Nursing Theory. A nursing framework has been developed for rehabilitation nursing. Data were collected by questionnaire. The findings indicate that rehabilitation nurses are aware of the alteration in self-concept for patients with SCI. Although nursing interventions include physiological, psychological and social aspects of care, nurses do not feel that current nursing models are useful in SCI nursing and tend to support the specially designed model.