Introduction

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a significant impact on health, quality of life, ageing, participation and socioeconomic status. The physiotherapy treatment for spinal cord injury is complex and must take into account not only paralysis, but also the wider consequences of impaired body functions, including bladder, bowel, respiratory, cardiovascular and sexual dysfunction. This course considers these factors when discussing treatment options for persons with spinal cord injuries.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• explain the impact of the early management of spinal cord injury on at least four out of six body systems
• discuss early management physiotherapy techniques used to prepare patients with a spinal cord injury for functional activities
• describe the physiotherapy management for spinal cord injury during the rehabilitation phase
• list at least three new technologies used in the management of spinal cord injuries
• discuss the role of physiotherapy in the later stages of spinal cord injury management

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.3 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Melanie Harding (Skeen): No financial relationships disclosed by instructor.
Non-financial disclosure: Melanie Harding is the Chairman of SASCA (Southern African Spinal Cord Association)

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.