Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on Patient Anxiety and Supportive Interventions in a Rehabilitation Ward

Abstract

This study explores healthcare professionals' perspectives on patient anxiety and supportive interventions in rehabilitation ward settings. Drawing on current research, including the WHO's recent data on depression prevalence, the study examines how anxiety manifests in rehabilitation patients, its impact on recovery outcomes, and current assessment and intervention practices. Healthcare professionals identify significant barriers to addressing patient anxiety, including organizational constraints, knowledge gaps, and patient-related factors such as communication difficulties and stigma. The bidirectional relationship between physical recovery and psychological wellbeing is highlighted, with evidence supporting Feng et al.'s (2023) concept of a "double-downward spiral" where anxiety and physical limitations mutually reinforce each other. The article reviews pharmacological, psychological, interpersonal, and environmental approaches to anxiety management, with particular emphasis on integrating psychological support into routine rehabilitation practice. Promising practices include interdisciplinary team models, embedded brief psychological interventions, and enhanced professional development. Future directions suggest the need for rehabilitation-specific psychological interventions, improved assessment tools for patients with cognitive impairments, and organizational structures that support holistic care. This comprehensive examination of healthcare professionals' perspectives contributes to a more integrated understanding of psychological support in rehabilitation settings and its critical role in optimizing recovery outcomes.