Lack of adequate care post spinal cord injury - a case report

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0163-2 · Published: February 22, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This case report highlights the challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in India, particularly regarding inadequate care at the accident site, lack of rehabilitation services, and insufficient follow-up post-discharge. It emphasizes the lack of awareness and education about SCI among the general public and healthcare providers. The case involves a 21-year-old male who sustained a spinal cord injury in a road accident. He experienced mishandling at the accident site, received minimal rehabilitation, and lacked proper education about managing his condition. This resulted in functional dependence and a decline in his quality of life. The individual highlights the critical need for increased awareness and education regarding SCI in India to improve the quality of care and support for those affected. He suggests training first responders and using social media to disseminate information.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

A 21-year-old male with paraplegia

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

1
Mishandling at the accident site and during transportation to the hospital exacerbated the patient's condition due to a lack of awareness among the general public and ambulance staff.
2
The patient received minimal rehabilitation and was not taught essential skills like bed mobility, transfers, and wheelchair mobility before discharge, leading to functional dependence.
3
Lack of follow-up care and education about long-term complications after discharge further contributed to the patient's challenges, including the development of pressure sores.

Research Summary

This case report underscores the inadequate care and support systems for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in India, emphasizing the lack of specialized rehabilitation centers, expertise in local hospitals, and access to dedicated SCI wards/centers. The report details the experiences of a 21-year-old male who sustained SCI, highlighting issues such as mishandling at the accident site, insufficient rehabilitation, lack of education, and absence of follow-up care. The findings call for urgent measures to create awareness regarding SCI, improve handling and care at accident sites, educate patients and healthcare professionals, and establish practice guidelines to enhance the quality of life for individuals with SCI in India.

Practical Implications

Improve First Responder Training

Implement training programs for policemen and paramedics on spinal stabilization and airway maintenance at accident sites.

Enhance Patient and Caregiver Education

Provide comprehensive education and counseling to patients and their families regarding SCI, its consequences, expected outcomes, and post-discharge care.

Develop Standardized Care Guidelines

Create and disseminate freely available practice guidelines or standards of care for rehabilitation of persons with SCI to be used in local and primary healthcare centers.

Study Limitations

1
Limited medical record access restricts detailed neurological examination and management information.
2
The case report represents a single individual's experience, which may not be generalizable to all SCI patients in India.
3
Reliance on the patient's self-report may introduce recall bias or subjective interpretation of events.

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