References
Education provision for patients following a spinal cord injury
Abstract
Background:
approximately 40 000 people in the UK live with spinal cord injury.
Aim:
to explore the views of patients and healthcare staff relating to the specialist education and information provided following a spinal cord injury.
Methods:
a service evaluation consisting of questionnaire surveys distributed to patients and staff at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre.
Results:
of the healthcare staff who responded, 98% found giving education an enjoyable part of their role with most agreeing (45/48) that it is the responsibility of all healthcare staff. The formal education programme was valued by patients. Sessions were graded to inform the development of future programmes. Face to face was the preferred delivery method for 80% of inpatients and 40% of outpatients, with the second most preferred method being an app/e-learning for both patient groups.
Conclusion:
findings support the continued need for both formal and informal sessions, provided by all members of the healthcare team, with particular emphasis on issues such as bladder and bowel management and sexual function following discharge.
Approximately 40 000 people in the UK live with spinal cord injury and 1200 new injuries occur every year (Liu et al, 2014). Secondary medical complications are common and include pressure ulcers and bladder and bowel dysfunction (Sezer et al, 2015), which are costly both for the individual with spinal cord injury and the healthcare service.
A vital element of rehabilitation is the provision of information and education. Patient education optimises patients' participation in their own decision making and care process, and promotes concordance with agreed plans, reducing the risk of post-injury complications, promoting independence and improving quality of life (Harvey and Davidson, 2011). Ultimately, information gives patients the skills needed to successfully reintegrate into the community and be as independent as possible. The challenge is to develop and implement methods that enable all patients to manage and process the information they need in the best way possible (Kesänen et al, 2014; Eloranta et al, 2016). Patients' preferences and their ability to absorb information are, however, factors that need to be considered when choosing the most suitable approach.
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