Abstract
Background: Mirror therapy (MT) is an evidence-based, low-cost neurorehabilitation technique that facilitates motor recovery in post-stroke patients by exploiting visual feedback to activate cortical motor networks. Despite its established efficacy, integration of MT into routine nursing practice remains inconsistent, largely owing to gaps in nurses' knowledge, training, and institutional support.
Objective: This study evaluated nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding mirror therapy in post-stroke rehabilitation.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A convenience sample of 175 registered nurses working in neurology, stroke, and rehabilitation units at Sheikhzayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, was recruited. Data were collected using a structured, validated, and self-administered questionnaire comprising 20 knowledge items, 15 attitude items (5-point Likert scale), and 15 practice items. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and reliability analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: The majority of respondents were female (95%), with a mean age of 42 years. The overall mean knowledge score was 7.3 ± 1.5 out of 15, with 46.3% of nurses demonstrating moderate knowledge and 30.3% poor knowledge. Attitude scores were predominantly neutral to positive (mean 52 ± 13.24 out of 75): 45.0% held positive attitudes, 48.0% neutral, and 7.0% negative. Practice scores were low to moderate (mean 29.4 ± 6.7 out of 50); only 18.0% reported good MT-related practice. Internal consistency was acceptable across all domains (Cronbach's α: Knowledge KR-20 = 0.78, Attitude α = 0.87, Practice α = 0.85). A significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores.
Conclusion: Nurses in this setting possess foundational but incomplete knowledge of MT and demonstrate positive-to-neutral attitudes, yet translate these into practice infrequently. Structured MT training programs, standardised nursing protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration are urgently needed to bridge the research-practice gap.