Spinal Cord Injuries - Research Paper Example

Name xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Course xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Instructor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date Contents Contents 1 1.0 Introduction 2 1.1 Background 2 1.2 Research question 4 1.3 Topic 4 2.0 Methodology design 5 3.0 Data analysis 7 4.0 Expected results 7 5.0 References 8 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background The spinal code is one of the most vital parts of the body since if offers the greatest support to the entire body. It is protected by a network of bones known as the vertebral column joined to each other via ligaments. The spinal code forms part of the nervous system and has a series of nerves connected to it. It runs from the brain all the way to the buttocks hence injury to the spinal code can affect any part between this areas. The spinal code acts as a messenger and relays information to and from the brain and sends it to all other parts of the body. Spinal code injury (SCI) occurs when the nerve tissues found in the spinal code undergo trauma or damage. Consequences of nerve tissue injury are similar to those of spinal fracture ranging from partial loss of sensation to total paralysis. Spinal injuries can also be caused by fracturing of the vertebrae or the spinal bones. Diagnosis of spinal code injuries is by use of radiologic studies such as CAT scans, X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment of the injury depends on the extent of damage and might range from simply use of a brace to surgery or both (Holtz and Levi 2010). Besides having adverse impacts on the general health of patients, SCI remain to be a distressing condition for patients as well as their families. It is estimated that there are over 10000 people living with spinal code injuries in Australia today. About 300-400 new cases are registered each year with 25% of them being people between the ages of 15-24 years. It has been proven that about 52% of these cases are caused by transport related accidents which either affects the vehicle occupants, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Other causes of spinal code injuries include factory or construction site injuries, ladder falls from roofs, swimming or surfing, sport related injuries, violence cases and several medical complications. Prevalence of SCI is higher in men than in women since men are involved in risky activities than women. Increase in the number of SCI cases has presented many challenges in terms of immobilization, evaluation and transport of such kind of victims. Besides this, there is currently no cure for all kinds of spinal code injuries and specifically paralysis. However, interventions of technology in the medical and surgical fields have resulted to improved medical care and recovery procedures for patients of SCI hence enhancing their survival (Michael and Dobkin 2008). 1.2 Research question The research paper seeks to advice patients of spinal cord injury so that they can know if they can manage at home or facility. 1.3 Topic Treatment of SCI is a lengthy process and requires the patient to stay in hospital for several months before full recovery is gained. The initial stages of treatment involve procedures to correct any secondary conditions which might emerge as a result of the SCI. SCI results to many opportunistic conditions relating to the skin, respiratory system, excretory system, cardiovascular system among others. Once the patient has gained medical stability, the next step is to take him through a rehabilitation program where he will undergo both occupational and physical therapy (Mark 2002). In Australia, the Transitional Rehabilitation Program (TRP) was introduced following awareness by medical staff and past patients of SCI to have post-treatment care for patients once they are out of hospital. TRP begins I hospital and is designed to continues at home. The program is facilitated by many professionals including occupational therapists, physiotherapist, social workers and registered nurses. TRP provides patients with an adequate transition process for the patient so as to fit back into the society. The length of TRP varies from 2-8 weeks depending on the level of SCI. The medical team will work hand in hand with a medical doctor who will provide directions of treatment such as prescribing medicines and taking tests. The role of the registered nurse will be to teach the family members on home care procedures and monitor the progress of the patient. The physical therapist helps the patient to exercise the body muscles that were injured. He also helps the patient to learn how to use a wheel chair and teaches the family members on ways they can help the patient exercise. Occupational therapists assist the patient to do activities such as driving, feeding, dressing and other activities. Social workers act as a contact between the patient and the society. It is therefore advisable for the patient to have the rehabilitation at home rather than in a rehabilitation facility. This is so because at home he is able to receive first hand attention as well as emotional support (Richards et al 2000). 2.0 Methodology design In order to identify if the people leaving with spinal cord injury are supposed to be managed at home or facility this study will limit itself into three main areas. To begin with, the study will aim at understanding the causes of spinal cord injuries and how they can be treated both at health facilities and homes. Secondly, the study focuses on identifying the prevalence of spinal cord injuries across Australia and how these patients are advised to manage their condition while in their homes (Bowie 2011). Finally, the study will seek understanding spinal cord injuries and how they can be prevented. Based on the methodology design, the study will heavily rely on secondary data. Information will be obtained from peer review journals and other related articles that have been uploaded on internet sources. Secondary data will ensure that evaluation of the research question deliver valid and accurate results. Further, this will result to a process of describing both external and internal sources of data that will be highly utilized in the data collection segment. This defined methodology is highly advantageous in that secondary data is cheaper as compared to primary data (Bowie 2011). Smith (1996) asserts that, the secondary data on the question at hand is highly accessible on the internet and thus less time and effort will be required. This implies that the collection of the required data will be accurate and less biased. Secondary data plays a crucial role in the exploratory phase in the research process as the research process requires the definition of the problem and generation of the hypothesis. The data that will be analyzed will go a long way in the invariably improving our understanding of the problem at hand. Lastly, the research methodology will be useful as it will aid in the defining of the population and obtaining a relevant sample that will be useful in the process (Smith 1996). In addition, due to various limitations especially not being able to obtain first hand information, primary data will be used here and there but not widely as compared to secondary data. A sample of patient will be picked where they will be issued with questionnaires where they will be expected to answer to the best of their ability. The sample picking should be done in such a way that it displays high level of accuracy which is considered to be paramount. It is very essential for the investigator to be familiar with the chosen research methodology (Harris 2010). Further, review on the research methodology will be carried out before the commencement of data collection. This is a very crucial step in that information gathered will be assessed and evaluated to verify the methodology eligibility in providing necessary research within the question in discussion. 3.0 Data analysis To get a comparative study on whether people with spinal cord injury can be managed at home or at health facilities, it is important for variables computation to be done by summing up all items within all desirable groups. As a way of extracting principal components, the use of excel spreadsheet will be considered as the desirable way of analyzing data. Further, incorporation of utilizing the varimax in identifying rotated component data will be highly effective (Smith 1996). 4.0 Expected results The study is expected to realize the prospect and limitation of managing a spinal cord injury patient both at home and in health facilities. Through the use of the proposed research methodology, the study will point out possible areas in which a patient may decide on managing the spinal cord condition either at home or office. The study will use information obtained from the prevalence to find ways in which this condition can be treated and minimized (Harris 2010). It is essential to understand that spinal cord injury resulted to various changes within the body system. At home, the use of proper eating habits can assist in managing spinal cord injury. It is expected that how to obtain the right nutritional value that will assist the patient body to be strong through fighting infections thus promoting healing process. According to Harris (2010), through data analysis, it is expected that patients with spinal cord injuries will be advised on how to develop techniques to manage the condition at home with the help of family members. The expected result will be helpful in developing recommendations that will be helpful to both the patient, medical practitioners and family members in understanding the best care which should be issued to patient both in homes and in health facilities. 5.0 References Holtz, A. and Levi, R. 2010. Spinal cord injury. New York: Oxford University Press. Michael, S. and Dobkin, B. 2008. Spinal cord injury. New York: Demos Medical Publication. Mark, R. 2002. Spinal Cord Injury. Critical care medicine, Vol 30(11): 489-499. Richards, J., Kewman, Donald, G. and Christopher A. 2000. Spinal Cord Injury: Handbook of rehabilitation psychology. Vol. 3(3): 11-27. Bowie, M. 2011. Essential of health information management: principles and practices. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning Smith, S. 1996. Case study in nursing case management: health care delivery in a world of managed care. Gaithersburg: Aspen Harris, M. 2010. Handbook of home health care administration. Sudbury, mass: Jones and Bartlett Read More