Practical knowledge of nursing for leprosy sanatorium residents based on their historical background

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify the practical knowledge acquired by nurses working in Japanese leprosy sanatoria through nursing care that incorporates residents’ historical backgrounds.

Methods

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.

Results

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’ silence and protecting dignity; (5) flexibly responding to disabilities and dementia to sustain vitality; (6) respecting residents’ unique treatment techniques and daily lives to support individuality; and (7) learning gratitude and personal growth through heartfelt engagement with residents.

Conclusion

The practical knowledge identified in this study reflects the historical context of Japan’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.