A bellweather for climate change and disability: educational needs of rehabilitation professionals regarding disaster management and spinal cord injuries

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0239-z · Published: October 23, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the awareness and educational needs of rehabilitation professionals regarding the impact of climate change and disasters on individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It highlights the vulnerability of SCI patients to extreme weather and aims to understand how professionals perceive and address these challenges. The survey reveals that a significant portion of professionals acknowledge the impact of climate change on their clients' health and well-being, particularly concerning temperature control, fatigue, and breathing problems. It also identifies a need for more education and resources on disaster preparedness and sustainable practices. The findings underscore the importance of integrating climate change considerations into SCI rehabilitation, including patient education, professional training, and the use of telemedicine to enhance access to care. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the medical and social implications of climate change on individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

January to July 2019

Participants

125 rehabilitation professionals

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
A majority of respondents (57.6%) believed climate change had impacted their client’s health and well-being.
2
Respondents from North America were significantly less likely to report climate change had an impact on their patient’s health than those from Asia or Europe (p < 0.01).
3
Most respondents (85.5%) were interested in learning more about extreme weather and climate concerns for their clients with SCI.

Research Summary

The study assessed the experiences and educational needs of health care professionals working in SCI regarding natural disasters, climate change, and sustainability, revealing a perceived impact of climate change on patients' health, particularly in Europe and Asia. Key concerns identified include temperature imbalances, respiratory issues, and fatigue, with a significant interest among professionals for further education on patient safety, disaster preparation, and telemedicine. The findings highlight the necessity of incorporating climate change considerations into rehabilitation practices and underscore the importance of international educational tools and resources to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with SCI in the context of a changing climate.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Education

Develop targeted educational materials for both professionals and patients on climate change impacts and disaster preparedness.

Telemedicine Integration

Promote and expand the use of telemedicine to improve access to care and reduce carbon footprint in SCI management.

Sustainable Practices

Encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in healthcare settings, focusing on the use of disposable supplies and equipment.

Study Limitations

1
Potential bias as providers with a greater interest in climate change may have been more apt to respond.
2
Fewer respondents from certain continents, speciﬁcally Oceania, Africa, and South America.
3
Survey relied on providers’ perceptions of the whether their locales had a change in climate within the past 5 years.

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