Abstract:
Background Early rehabilitation nursing for stroke is a critical component in improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of disability. However, there is a lack of consensus in clinical practice regarding its conceptual connotation, core attributes, and operational definition, leading to inconsistent implementation standards and variable quality of care. Objective To clarify the defining attributes, antecedents, and outcomes of early rehabilitation nursing for stroke patients based on the Walker & Avant concept analysis framework, construct a standardized operational definition, and provide reference for the standardized implementation of early rehabilitation nursing in clinical practice. Methods A systematic search of Chinese and English databases was conducted for literature published up to June 2025. After independent screening by two researchers, 37 articles were ultimately included. The study strictly followed the eight steps of Walker & Avant concept analysis. Results The core and extended attributes of early rehabilitation nursing for stroke patients were identified: core attributes: professionalism, comprehensiveness, interdisciplinary collaboration, patient- and family-centeredness with a demand-driven approach, and health education orientation. Extended attributes: evidence-based practice, ethical compliance, cultural adaptability, continuity of care, and supportive care. Antecedents at the individual, team, and system levels were clarified, as were core outcomes at the patient, nurse, and healthcare system levels. A standardized operational definition was constructed: early rehabilitation nursing for stroke patients refers to a specialized, comprehensive early rehabilitation care service provided within 72 hours to 2 weeks after onset, led by professional nurses and involving multidisciplinary collaboration. It was patient- and family-centered, demand-driven, and health educationbased, addressing the holistic physiological, psychological, and social needs of patients. Conclusion This study clarifies the attributes, antecedents, and outcomes of early rehabilitation nursing for stroke, establishes a standardized operational definition, and provides theoretical support for unifying conceptual understanding, standardizing clinical practice, and conducting specialized training. Standardized implementation of early rehabilitation nursing can significantly improve patient prognosis while offering multiple benefits for nurses' professional development and the efficient operation of the healthcare system.