Exploring the views of registered nurses caring for spinal cord injury patients in a private rehabilitation hospital in Gauteng

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal Cord Injury is one of the most devastating conditions affecting a person's physical, psychological, and social well-being. The World Health Organisation estimates that the annual global incidences of spinal cord injuries rose from 40 to 80 cases per million people. Furthermore, in South Africa, the number of people affected by spinal cord injury is approximately 12.3 per 100 000 people. Within the rehabilitation centres the registered nurses are actively involved in caring for spinal cord injury patients throughout the patient’s lifetime while admitted to the rehabilitation units. Although many studies have been conducted on spinal cord injury, there is limited studies relating to the views of the registered nurses towards the care of patient in rehabilitation. Aims: The aim of the study is to explore and describe the views of registered nurses caring for patients with spinal cord injuries at a private rehabilitation hospital in the Gauteng Province. Research design and methods: The study used a descriptive, exploratory, and contextual design, qualitative approach and research method. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from the 12 registered nurses caring for patients with spinal cord injuries at a rehabilitation hospital in the Gauteng Province. The data was analysed following the 8 steps of Tesch data analysis method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were ensured throughout the study. Results: Upon analysis of the data, the following five (5) themes emerged, namely 1. Nurse’s views on the care for spinal cord injury patients, 2. Nurses' challenges when caring for spinal cord injury patients, 3. Challenges faced by spinal cord injury patients, 4. Nurses competencies to care for spinal cord injury patients and 5. Nurses recommendations when caring for spinal cord injury patients. Conclusion: The findings of the study concluded that the objectives had been attained. The registered nurses view their care for spinal cord injury patients as being multifaceted. The care includes preventing pressure sore, slips and falls, promoting bladder and bowel management, some patients are reluctant to participate in the rehabilitation programme, patient financial challenges, family training, patient institutional hospitalization, a home visit by the social worker, community support and considering more registered nurse in a rehabilitation unit. Lastly, the researcher has made recommendations to improve the care of spinal cord injury patients at private rehabilitation.