Medicina 2002; 38 (4): 420-423

Asta Kajokienė, Sigita Lesinskienė, Dainius Pūras

Department of Social Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry, Vilnius University, Lithuania

Key words: early rehabilitation, developmental disorders, needs for nursing, care of the disabled child, mothers’ competence, role of the nurse.

Summary. The role of nurse in early rehabilitation of children with developmental disorders in our country is still not clear and little investigated. The main purpose of the study was to analyze the needs of nursing at the department of Early Rehabilitation, describe appropriate activity spheres for the nurses, and prepare methodical recommendations for the nurse’s work with developmentally disabled children. The study was carried out at the in-patient department of Early Rehabilitation ,Child Development Center, Vilnius University Hospital. Eighty six mothers of developmentally disabled children were interviewed and filled the questionnaire developed by the authors. Aspects of mothers’ views, opinions, suggestions and needs were investigated. The data revealed an interesting overview of the current situation in the field from the patiens’ perspective. The need for the adequate nurse and care was obvious. The role of the nurses is underestimated and functions could be broader expanded regarding the specific needs of the disabled children and their families. Organizational and practical recommendations are provided.

Received 3 January 2002, accepted 18 March 2002