Trajetórias precursoras da enfermagem de reabilitação na guerra colonial portuguesa

After the Second World War, the creation of the UN influenced movements for colonial independence. Portugal resisted, facing the Colonial War, which influenced the development of rehabilitation nursing. Objective: To analyse the precursor practices of rehabilitation nursing in the Portuguese Colonial War. Methodology: Use of the historical method to summarise the historical narrative. Results: Developments in healthcare made it necessary to provide better “technical preparation” through the creation of “Technical Nursing Schools”. The “nursing and colonial social action course” covered “physical education” and “physical agents”. In 1961, the staff of the paratrooper troops began to include nurses. Nurses also played a role in “health inspections” and collaboration with the Armed Forces in the naval commands of the colonies, in the Overseas Customs Service and on guard ships. In 1963, the nursing staff at the Overseas Hospital included “physiotherapy” nurses and “those specialising in orthopaedics, rehabilitation...”. At the time, in 1964, the health situation led to the regulation of the Overseas Health and Assistance Services, recognising the importance of specialised nursing in Overseas Territories. Conclusion: Rehabilitation nursing emerged in Portugal in 1965, influenced by a previous social and political context that created new health needs.