Objective: To assess the learning needs of the Post Operative Neurosurgical patients and of their relatives regarding the care after discharge. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design was used. Orem’s Supportive - Educative Nursing Model provided the conceptual framework for this study. Dr Achanta Lakshmipathi Neurosurgical Centre (ALNC), Voluntary Health Services, Chennai was the setting for the study. Samples meeting the inclusion criteria were selected from patients undergoing Cranial and Spinal surgeries and their relatives using Non probability convenient sampling. The learning needs under the aspects namely Therapeutic care, Self care, Psychosocial care and Rehabilitative care were assessed using a structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results and Discussion: Almost all the patients (96%) and Majority (84%) of the relatives had more learning needs regarding Rehabilitative care. A little above half (56%) of the patients and three fourth (76%) of the relatives had moderate learning needs regarding Therapeutic care. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) found between the Educational status and learning needs of the patients. Among the relatives there were statistical associations between the Sex (P < 0.01), Occupation (P < 0.05) and their learning needs since majority of them were females (64%) and unemployed (60%).Conclusion: The findings of this study provided the base line information needed to design the discharge planning and teaching. 

Keywords: Learning needs; Post operative neurosurgical patients; Relatives and care after discharge.