VA TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT REPORT – PATIENT SUMMARY
ON
Spinal Cord Injury Care

In this report:

• What is spinal cord injury?
• Why is specialty care provided for patients with spinacl cord injury important?
• Why was the VHA interested in spinal cord injury?
• What parts of spinal cord injury care was the VHA interested in?
• How did the VHA investigate this topic?
• What did the VHA find?
• How will this report impact patient care?
• Websites with more information on this topic

What is spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injury is injury to the spinal column and nerve tissue inside it.

Why is specialty care for patients with spinal cord injury important?
Spinal cord injury can cause or worsen other medical conditions. For example, changes in blood pressure, skin color, swelling in the hip or knees, headaches and goosebumps can have a different meaning in spinal cord injured patients. The best care given to patients with spinal cord injury is with a specialized staff that knows spinal cord injury and has experience in the care of these patients. This specialized staff understands the changes in function and lifestyle due to spinal cord injury. All of these factors can help a veteran's recovery and future quality of life.

Why was the VHA interested in spinal cord injury?
Many veterans with spinal cord injury are injured during their military service, at an average age of 31 years. The VHA is committed to caring for spinal cord injured veterans over their lifetimes and would like to provide these veterans with the best possible care.

What parts of spinal cord injury care was the VHA interested in?
The VHA was interested in both inpatient and outpatient care for spinal cord injury patients. Specifically reviewed were the nurse staffing for patients in the hospital, and the nurse and physician staffing of clinics that are out of the hospital and help patients with long-term care.

How did the VHA investigate this topic?
The VHA reviewed the medical literature to determine if the numbers of nurses and physicians caring for patients with spinal cord injury affects how patients do.

What did the VHA find?
The VHA found that patients recover better in hospitals that focus on nursing and maintain good relations between nurses and physicians. The VHA did not find medical information on nurse and physician staffing for outpatient and extended care of patients with spinal cord injury. This topic will be the subject of future research.

How will this report impact patient care?
This report will help the VHA deliver better hospital services to veterans with spinal cord injury.

Websites with more information on this topic

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