NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF MANAGING PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) care requires specialized knowledge and practical competencies to ensure effective patient management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses in providing care to patients with suspected SCI across public-sector tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2024 with 118 nurses from emergency departments of public-sector tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge, and practical competencies of nurses in SCI care. Results: Most nurses (70.3%) demonstrated adequate theoretical knowledge of SCI, particularly regarding the anatomy and physiology of vertebral column and etiology of SCI including common risk factors. However, 75.4% were rated as below the competency threshold in practical nursing tasks such as patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, and interventions. A significant association was found between age and knowledge, with older nurses exhibiting higher levels of knowledge. The study also revealed a strong link between knowledge and practical competency, whereby nurses with better theoretical knowledge were more likely to be met the competency threshold in practice. Conclusions: While most nurses possessed good knowledge of SCI care, there was a notable gap in their ability to apply this knowledge in practice. These findings highlight the need for enhanced practical training, continuous professional development, and targeted education that focuses on critical care and interventions in SCI management. Strengthening practical competencies through structured training and mentorship programs is essential for improving nursing care quality and patient outcomes in SCI settings.