Does attendance in SCI education courses impact health outcomes in acute rehabilitation?

Objective: Though education about secondary complications following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a component of many rehabilitation programs, there is little research on their success in promoting healthier outcomes. This study examined 1) whether greater education course attendance was associated with improved health outcomes and quality of life and 2) whether completion of bladder management and skin care courses was associated with decreased incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pressure ulcers (PUs).

Design: Retrospective medical record review.

Successful implementation of ceiling-mounted lift systems.

Rehabilitation nurses are well aware of the risks for musculoskeletal injuries related to patient handling tasks. Repetitive lifting, turning, and repositioning of patients with mobility limitations can take a toll on the nurse. This article chronicles integration of ceiling lift technology for patient-handling tasks into nursing practice on a spinal cord injury inpatient unit.