Awareness of hemiplegic shoulder in hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study

Background: The hemiplegic shoulder, characterized by pain, weakness, and limited range of motion, is a common complication affecting individuals who have experienced hemiplegia due to stroke or other neurological conditions. It significantly impacts the quality of life of patients and hampers their rehabilitation progress. In the context of healthcare, nurses play a pivotal role in the holistic care of patients with hemiplegia. Their knowledge, assessment skills, and interventions contribute to the prevention and management of hemiplegic shoulder, thereby aiding in the overall recovery of patients, awareness of this condition is crucial because early identification and timely interventions can prevent its progression and associated complications. Furthermore, comprehensive knowledge of hemiplegic shoulder management can contribute to patient comfort, better rehabilitation outcomes, and improved patient satisfaction. Methods: A self-made questionnaire was validated and circulated via Google Forms to hospital nurses of all age groups. 60 participants who fit the inclusion criteria and gave consent to participate in the study were selected. Their responses were recorded, data analysis was done and results were obtained. Results: 60 responses were recorded via Google Forms. The average age of the population was 32 years. Out of the entire population, only 30.77% of the entire population were aware of the hemiplegic shoulder condition. Conclusions: According to this study there is a lack of awareness about the hemiplegic shoulder in the population of nurses in India, they need to be made more aware of the safe practices of handling stroke patients.