Nurses' Knowledge, Readiness, and Perceived Barriers Related to the Application of Mirror Therapy on Limb Amputation Rehabilitation in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Mirror therapy (MT) is a proven method for reducing phantom limb pain and improving motor recovery in amputee patients. Nevertheless, its use in nursing practice remains limited. Since nurses are key in rehabilitation, it is important to assess their knowledge, readiness, and the challenges they face in using MT to improve patient outcomes. Objectives: To assess nurses’ knowledge, readiness, and perceived barriers related to the application of MT for limb amputation rehabilitation at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses in vascular, surgical, orthopedic, accident service, and intensive care units using consecutive sampling. A self- developed questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic details, knowledge, readiness, and barriers. The questionnaire demonstrated good reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.835, 0.847, and 0.747 for the domains of knowledge, readiness, and barriers, respectively. Knowledge levels were categorized as poor (<50%), moderate (50%-75%), and good (>75%). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Among the participants, 93.8% had heard of MT, with 47.6% having good knowledge and 52% having moderate knowledge. The majority (95.6%) showed a willingness to use MT in patient care. However, several challenges were identified: a lack of proper equipment (65.2%), inadequate knowledge (70.3%), patient unwillingness (45.1%), and limited time due to workload (42.5%). Additionally, 59.7% of nurses felt that poor teamwork among healthcare workers made it difficult to apply MT. Conclusions: Most nurses were aware of MT, having good to moderate knowledge and willing to use it in care. However, barriers such as limited knowledge, lack of equipment, patient reluctance, time constraints, and poor teamwork hinder its use. More training and support are needed to overcome these challenges.