Nursing theories in the care of stroke patients: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES: to map and synthesize nursing theories and conceptual frameworks that have been applied in the practice of nursing care for stroke patients in hospital settings. METHODS: a scoping review was conducted in October 2022 using the MEDLINE (accessed via PubMed), CINAHL, Scielo, and Web of Science databases, following The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. RESULTS: nine studies incorporated six nursing theories and three conceptual frameworks, which were employed to enhance stroke patient care. The objective of these theories and conceptual frameworks was to facilitate the identification of the patient’s psychobiological, psychosocial, and psychospiritual needs, elucidate the nurse’s role and expand their perspective on rehabilitation, and acknowledge the survivor’s process of transition. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: this mapping exercise identified major nursing theories, middle-range theories, and conceptual frameworks applied to the care of stroke patients.