A guide to the basic care of a spinal Cord Injury Patient - Back to Basics

Introduction: Spinal ANP’s in the National Rehabilitation have noted an expediential increase in calls from patients, families and healthcare professionals re accessing spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D) specific care in acute/ longstay hospitals. Areas include autonomic dysreflexia (AD), neurogenic bladder/bowel and skin care. Because SCI/D is relatively rare in the general population, many healthcare professionals may not have experience managing individuals with these disorders, leading to significant secondary complications. These complications are wide ranging and can be a major cause of morbidity in the SCI/D population. This poster is a introduction to care of a spinal cord injured individual in acute or primary care. Aim: Increase awareness regarding the specific care of a spinal cord injured individual. The incidence of spinal cord injury / dysfunction is low in comparison to other chronic illness in Ireland, yet the cost on the individual, their family and the HSE from inadequate care is considerable.