Keywords

amputees, disfigurement, mirrors, video

 

Authors

  1. Thayer, Virginia (Becky) MSN, RN, CRRN
  2. Freysteinson, Wyona PhD, MN
  3. Thomas, Lisa W. DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, CRRN, NEA-BC

Abstract

Purpose/Aims: This study explored the feasibility of educating nurses on an emotionally sensitive topic using video. The aim was to educate nurses on how to assist individuals who have had an amputation of a limb in viewing themselves in the mirror.

 

Design: One-group repeated-measures design with 2 time points (pretest and posttest at 1 month).

 

Methods: Nurses viewed a video in which 8 amputee actors described how and why nurses should support individuals' viewing of self in the mirror following amputation.

 

Results: This video-based education was feasible, and recommendations were made for future research. Participants were engaged and shared insight into how this knowledge would change their nursing practice.

 

Conclusions: A larger educational research study to test the effect of this education on improving nursing confidence and offering the mirror is recommended.