Spinal Injury Training

Spinal Injury Training Course

This spinal injury training course will teach delegates how to safely look after a patient who has suffered a spinal injury.

The course comprises of four separate elements, Spinal Injury Awareness, Autonomic Dysreflexia, Catheter Care & Bowel Care.

The course is vital for any staff members responsible for the care of spinal injury patients.

Course Summary:

This spinal injury course will provide you with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the spine, the central nervous system, and spinal cord injuries. You will learn about the different types of spinal cord injuries, their effects on motor, sensory, bladder, bowel, sexual, and autonomic function.

You will also learn about autonomic dysreflexia (AD), documentation, person-centered care, care plans, urinary catheters, incontinence, and constipation.

The spinal injury training course will be presented in a lecture format, with opportunities for questions and discussion. There will also be hands-on demonstrations of how to handle, empty, and change a urinary catheter bag, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Spinal Injury Course Outline

• Anatomy of the spine
  • Structure of the spine
  • Spinal cord
  • Nerves
• Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Structure of the CNS
  • Function of the CNS
• Types of spinal cord injuries
  • Complete vs. incomplete
  • Cervical vs. thoracic vs. lumbar vs. sacral
• Effects of spinal cord injuries
  • Motor function
  • Sensory function
  • Bladder and bowel function
  • Sexual function
  • Autonomic function
• Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
  • Definition
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Possible consequences
  • Causes and triggers
  • Treatment
• Documentation
  • Importance of accurate and complete documentation
  • Person-centered care
• Care plan
  • Components of a care plan
  • Individualized care plans
• Urinary catheter
  • Definition
  • Advantages and disadvantages
  • Reasons for catheterization
  • Infection control
  • Handling, emptying, and changing a catheter bag
  • Troubleshooting common issues
  • Fluid balance
  • Record keeping
  • Privacy, dignity, and respect
• Incontinence
  • Definition
  • Types of incontinence
  • Causes of incontinence
  • Management of incontinence
• Constipation
  • Definition
  • Causes of constipation
  • Complications of constipation
  • Management of constipation
  • Infection control
  • Suppositories
  • Manual evacuation
  • Enemas

Spinal Injury Training Goals

The goal of this spinal injury course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to provide safe and effective care to people with spinal cord injuries.

By the end of the training course, you will be able to:

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the spine and the central nervous system.
• Identify the different types of spinal cord injuries and their effects on function.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia.
• Document care in a clear and accurate manner.
• Develop individualized care plans for people with spinal cord injuries.
• Handle, empty, and change a urinary catheter bag.
• Manage incontinence and constipation.

Course Key Benefits:

Some key benefits of taking a spinal injury training course for healthcare professionals:

• Gain a deeper understanding of spinal anatomy, common injuries, and resulting impairments to improve assessment and care.
• Learn the proper techniques for moving, handling, and providing care to patients with spinal cord injuries to avoid causing further harm.
• Develop skills in the use of specialized mobility equipment like hoists or standing frames tailored for spinal cord injury patients.
• Increase understanding of secondary complications like pressure sores, respiratory issues, autonomic dysreflexia, and musculoskeletal changes in order to prevent or proactively manage them.
• Understand key aspects of rehabilitative care like physical, occupational and speech therapy that promote functioning.
• Build knowledge on bladder, bowel and sexual health management for enhanced quality of life after spinal cord injury.
• Acquire the skills to support mental health, address caregiver needs, and ensure patients and families receive vital psychosocial support.
• Gain more competence and confidence caring for spinal injury patients through interactive, hands-on learning approaches.
• Implement best practices to enable functioning, independence, and an enhanced quality of life for those with spinal cord impairments.

Specialising in spinal injury care leads to higher quality treatment and outcomes for these patients with complex, lifelong needs.

Spinal Injury Training FAQs

1. What is the Spinal Injury Training Course all about?

Our Spinal Injury Training Course covers a wide range of topics, including understanding spinal injuries, proper care, and prevention.

2. How do you train someone with a spinal cord injury?

You train them by starting slow and being patient. Work on exercises to improve their movement, balance, and strength.

But take rests to avoid overdoing it. Also work on skills for everyday tasks like dressing, grooming, and transfers.

Special equipment like leg braces or standers can help. The goals are building fitness, mobility, and independence.

3. Who is the suitable for?

This course is suitable for healthcare professionals, caregivers, or anyone interested in comprehensive spinal injury management.

4. How long does it take to complete the Spinal Injury Training Course?

The course is designed to be completed with 3-4 hours.

5. What can I expect to learn from the Spinal Injury Training Course?

You will gain in-depth knowledge of spinal injury recognition, treatment, and prevention, empowering you to provide exceptional care.

6. What are the 4 types of spinal cord injury?

The four main types are:

1. Tetraplegia – injury to the neck area affecting all four limbs.
2. Paraplegia – injury lower down around chest or waist affecting both legs.
3. Monoplegia – one limb affected.
4. Triplegia – three limbs affected.

7. How can I exercise with a spinal cord injury?

Exercises that are safe include swimming, strength training your abilities, hand biking, wheelchair sports, and adapted cardio like arm ergometers. Avoid exercises that might risk falls or over-stretching. Work closely with your doctor and physiotherapist.

8. What is the training for the spinal cord?

The spinal cord connects to nerves and helps control movement and feeling. Special training after a spinal injury helps rebuild strength, coordination, and skills through exercise and functional practice. This helps improve mobility and independence over time. Staying active also prevents health issues.