NURSES' ROLE IN HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICES IN A REHABILITATION CENTER

Abstract

Introduction: Health education is recognized as an essential tool for patient empowerment and autonomy, especially in the context of functional rehabilitation. Objective: To analyze the role of nurses in health education practices developed in a rehabilitation center, seeking to understand the topics addressed, the challenges faced, and the pedagogical strategies used, in light of the theory and guidelines that orient rehabilitation nursing in Brazil. Method: A qualitative, cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study conducted with 24 nurses from a rehabilitation center in Goiânia. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Bardin’s Content Analysis technique. Results: The emerging categories highlighted a broadened understanding of health education as a continuous teaching–learning process; a predominance of technical topics (skin care, bladder and bowel reeducation); difficulties in addressing sexuality; challenges related to patient adherence and to the professionals’ pedagogical training. The most commonly used strategies were verbal guidance and bedside educational practices. Conclusion: The study showed that nurses’ involvement in health education is fundamental to promoting autonomy and reintegration of patients undergoing rehabilitation, characterized by empathetic and adapted practices.