[Theoretical Study or Systematic Review]

By

Table of Contents

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION1

Background of the Study1

Aims and Objectives of Study2

Purpose of the Study3

Justification3

SUMMARY OF METHODS6

Search Strategy7

Method7

Theoretical Framework9

Dissemination11

Bias12

Time Line12

References14

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Background of the Study

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) have devastating effects on individuals (Vaillant & Loghin, 2009; Krassioukov, 2009; Cortez & Levi, 2007). Patients with spinal cord injuries have complex medical, social and discharge planning needs (Kay et.al, 2007, Dorsey, 2005). Apart from the emotional, social and physical costs of SCI the financial costs to the community are immense. The post injury complications can further boost these costs (Matis & Birbilis, 2009; Drigotaite & Krisciunas, 2006). The spinal cord is a vital part of our nervous system, which is surrounded and protected by bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae, or bones in the back, are placed one above the other and is called the spine or spinal cord. The bundles of nerve fibbers that form the spinal cord itself are upper motor neurons (UMN, for its acronym in English). The spinal nerves branch off the spinal cord up and down the neck and back. These nerves, Lower Motor Neurons (LMN), departing between each vertebra and reach all body parts. Spinal cord ends near the waistline. From this point, the lower spinal nerve fibres continue down through the spinal canal to the sacrum or coccyx. The spinal column is divided into four sections or parts. The upper portion is named the cervical area, has seven cervical vertebrae.

The following section, the dorsal

Including the chest area and has twelve thoracic vertebrae. The lower back section is named the lumbar area. There are five lumbar vertebrae

The final section has five sacrococcygeal vertebrae and is named the sacral area

The bones in the sacral section, they are actually fused into one bone.

The complications after spinal cord injury often affect the individual's life negatively. Nevertheless all complications can be reduced by effective patient education. The delivery of patient education can be a challenging process (Wolf et.al, 2004). Currently I work in a rehabilitation unit for the individuals with spinal cord injury. Although there is a patient education programme in my unit, the desired results of its effectiveness are not met. This may be because of the low profile of the subject in the department as patient education has never been explored systematically and has been just taken for granted. The required attention has always been given to other aspects like discharge planning, care package, funding availability and so on.

When Spinal Cord Injury subjects develop good knowledge about their illness and SCI-related problems, these subjects are more aware of complications.The numbers of re-admissions of former patients are increasing and the post injury complications are growing despite spending significant amount of time and resources to educate patients, families and carers. The occurrence of these complications upset patients and families life styles. Furthermore this also delays the admission of new patients from acute ward and community. Additionally this is frustrating for the unit as it hampers success achieving the required goals from the patient ...