Nurses’ Performance Regarding Care of Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries

Background: Spinal cord injuries are devastating and irreversible injuries that cause a temporary or permanent loss of physiologic function in the body below the injured segment. It produces long-term physical, psychological, and financial burden for patients. Nurses’ performance has a substantial impact on patient outcomes. Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ performance regarding care of the patients with spinal cord injuries. Subjects and methods: Study design: A descriptive design was used to meet the aim of this study. Setting: The present study was conducted at the Accidents Hospital's Intensive Care Unit in the hospitals of Zagazig University, Sharkia governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample consisted of all available nurses (40) who worked in the previously mentioned setting. Tools of data collection: two different tools were used for collecting data. Tool I: Self-administered questionnaire for evaluating knowledge and attitude of studied nurses’ about the care of the spinal cord injuries patients. Tool II: An observational checklist for assessing practices of nurses regarding care of patients with spinal cord injuries. Results: More than two thirds of nurses in the study (70%) had insufficient overall knowledge, three fifths (60%) had unsatisfactory overall practice, around two thirds of nurses under the study (65%) had expressed a positive attitude regarding the care of the patients suffering from SCIs. Conclusion: positive association that is highly statistically significant was observed among the total nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice level regarding the care provided to the patients with spinal cord injuries. Recommendation: It is highly suggested that nurses should engage in training programs to enhance their overall performance.