Knowledge and Implementation of Standard Stroke Rehabilitation Protocols Among Medical-Surgical Nurses

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 124–132

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000146

Original Research Article

Title: Knowledge and Implementation of Standard Stroke Rehabilitation Protocols Among Medical-Surgical Nurses

Names of Authors: Memory N. Ncube¹, Adesola M. Ojo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Maternal Health Unit, Gweru Provincial Hospital, Gweru, Zimbabwe
²Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract:
Early bedside neurological rehabilitation significantly lowers long-term disability parameters among stroke survivors, demanding proficient care execution from acute ward clinicians. This study evaluated the baseline clinical knowledge and routine implementation rates of early stroke rehabilitation protocols among medical-surgical nurses. A facility-based cross-sectional design surveyed 150 staff nurses across three general hospital systems using a standardized 30-item stroke management questionnaire and concurrent chart audits. Data analysis employed descriptive metrics and chi-square tests. The results demonstrated that while 68.0% of nurses accurately identified early mobilization windows (within 24 to 48 hours post-stabilization), correct and complete documentation of standard deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis and turning regimens was present in only 34.7% of audited stroke records. The primary barriers hindering protocol implementation included high patient-to-nurse workloads (82.7%), lack of interprofessional coordination with physical therapists (64.0%), and missing specialized position stabilizers. Nurses possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree demonstrated significantly better knowledge thresholds compared to diploma-holding peers (p = 0.015). Systematic nursing training and improved multi-professional communication channels are critical to bridge the gap between stroke knowledge and clinical performance.

Keywords: Stroke Rehabilitation; Clinical Protocols; Medical-Surgical Nursing; Early Mobilization; Patient Recovery; Workload.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 18, 2026; Revised August 08, 2026; Accepted August 26, 2026; Published September 07, 2026.

Citation: Ncube, M. N., & Ojo, A. M. (2026). Knowledge and Implementation of Standard Stroke Rehabilitation Protocols Among Medical-Surgical Nurses. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 124–132. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000146

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