Mapping nursing practices in rehabilitation units in Spain and the United Kingdom: A multiple case study

Because of the crisis in the health sector with few employment opportunities, many Spanish nurses are looking for professional development abroad. No studies have mapped nursing practices across Europe. The aim of this research was to provide a comprehensive approach to understand nursing practices and features of the context in Spain and the United Kingdom within the rehabilitation unit and to discuss those practices from a patient safety point of view. Multiple case study design with thematic analysis was applied in this study. The methods for data collection were in-depth interviews, nonparticipant observations, and document analysis. Results were classified into six categories: resources, techniques and nursing procedures, patients' personal care, health education, documentation task, and attitudes and communication skills. This study concludes that differences exist between nursing practices despite both countries having similar nursing competences. In addition, the UK unit has a positive safety culture, recognizes that mistakes happen, and applies more barriers to avoid them. The study provides valuable information to help the decision-making process for Spanish nurses considering working in the UK.