Priorities of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury in Different Aspects of Rehabilitation in Turkiye

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to understand the needs and expectations of individuals with disabilities caused by spinal cord injuries who require long-term rehabilitation from a rehabilitation hospital. The cross-sectional clinical study was conducted, which included individuals over the age of 18 with spinal cord injuries who had previously been hospitalized in a rehabilitation hospital. The 16-question survey, titled "What should a rehabilitation hospital be like according to patients with spinal cord injuries," was applied to individuals hospitalized in the inpatient service of Çam Sakura City Hospital. It was also given to spinal cord injured people reached through social media. The participants' demographic data was recorded, and the survey was completed by 120 participants, comprising 70 males and 50 females. The mean age was 37.47 ± 11.63 years, with 79 participants being married and 41 being single. Twenty-five participants had graduated from at least one university. The time since the spinal cord injury was less than two years for 20 individuals and more than two years for 100 individuals. The results showed that robotic rehabilitation and psychological support were the most requested rehabilitation elements, while interest in sexual rehabilitation was less than other rehabilitation elements. Furthermore, in the correlation analysis, elderly participants indicated that there should be more specialized services and outpatient clinics. This study highlights the importance of considering the needs and wishes of patients when planning and operating a rehabilitation center. The study clarifies that patients' needs for specialized services and robotic rehabilitation were striking. Additionally, the significance and necessity of sexual rehabilitation should be conveyed to patients.