Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause for spinal cord injury, with acts of violence and sports injuries as the next most common cause. Damage to the spinal cord usually results in permanent changes and requires extensive hospitalization. The team meets consistently to assure coordination of the personalized treatment program. The patient, family members and the referring physician are all part of the rehabilitation team.
Patients are responsible for knowing their self-care.
If the patient is physically limited in performing self-care tasks, he or she is taught how to direct others in his or her care. Families are encouraged to help the patient be as independent as possible, however, family members are taught how to do the tasks that the patient is unable to do. A medical social worker makes arrangements for family members to come in for individual education and training. The patient's referring physician may participate directly or receive status reports, as he or she may prefer. All team members, patients and their families participate in discharge planning which begins at admission and continues through the patient stay.