The Therapeutic Relationship in Rehabilitation Nursing: Promotion of Culturally Sensitive Environments in the Community Context

Abstract

Introduction: Growing globalization and increased immigration, evidenced by the significant growth of the immigrant population in Portugal, have directly impacted healthcare, requiring culturally sensitive practices. 
Objective: To analyze the establishment of the therapeutic relationship between the person and the rehabilitation nurse in order to promote culturally diverse environments in a community context.
Method: A theoretical reflection was carried out based on a review of the relevant scientific literature. This theoretical reflection was grounded in an exploratory Boolean search (MeSH and free terms) in PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCOHost-indexed databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, LISTA, MedicLatina) between March and April 2025. 164 records were retrieved and, after screening, 6 conceptually grounded articles were included in the synthesis.
Results: Rehabilitation Nursing in a community setting faces the challenge of promoting humanized and effective care, while respecting cultural diversity. Madeleine Leininger's Theory of Diversity and Universality of Cultural Care provides the foundations for a person-centered and culturally congruent nursing practice, valuing the beliefs, values and practices of each individual. The therapeutic relationship emerges as the central axis of this care, favoring empowerment, adherence to treatment and the promotion of autonomy and functionality. Thus, the Rehabilitation Nurse must act as a facilitator of inclusive care, promoting culturally sensitive therapeutic environments, especially in multicultural community contexts.
Conclusions: This approach increases the effectiveness of care and strengthens the social integration of people undergoing rehabilitation, consolidating a practice that is ethical, transformative and centered on human dignity.