@article{article,
  keywords = {Nursing Staff, nursing practice, leprosy},
  author = {Ito M},
  title = {Practical knowledge of nursing for leprosy sanatorium residents based on their historical background},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Purpose</strong></p>

<p>This study aimed to clarify the practical knowledge acquired by nurses working in Japanese leprosy sanatoria through nursing care that incorporates residents{\textquoteright} historical backgrounds.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>Eight nurses with extensive experience in elderly care were recruited from three national leprosy sanatoria in Japan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2025, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive design. Coding and categorization were performed through individual and overall analyses, and analytic rigor was ensured through expert supervision.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>A total of 148 initial codes and 54 subcategories were generated and integrated into seven core categories of practical knowledge: (1) supporting residents until the end of life with the sanatorium as their final home; (2) providing care rooted in religious views and hometown memories while considering experiences of discrimination; (3) supplementing disrupted family backgrounds through pseudo-family relationships; (4) building trust by accommodating residents{\textquoteright} silence and protecting dignity; (5) flexibly responding to disabilities and dementia to sustain vitality; (6) respecting residents{\textquoteright} unique treatment techniques and daily lives to support individuality; and (7) learning gratitude and personal growth through heartfelt engagement with residents.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>The practical knowledge identified in this study reflects the historical context of Japan{\textquoteright}s isolation policy and demonstrates universal relevance for global nursing. These findings highlight the importance of historically informed, dignity-centred care and offer insights for advancing human rights-based elderly nursing and international nursing education.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Leprosy Review},
  volume = {97},
  pages = {1 - 9},
  month = {09/2026},
  publisher = {Lepra},
  issn = {2162-8807},
  url = {https://leprosyreview.org/admin/public/api/lepra/website/getDownload/6aa2a9aaafaac14bcd0d5632},
  doi = {10.47276/lr.97.3.2026029},
  language = {ENG},
}