Spinal cord injury in the Moroccan healthcare system: A country case study

IBRO Neuroscience Reports, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2020.12.003 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This article provides an overview of healthcare management for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Morocco, highlighting challenges in neurological recovery, rehabilitation, and access to specialized care. The study uses epidemiological data and patient experiences to illustrate the difficulties faced by individuals with SCI, particularly regarding access to quality rehabilitation facilities and specialized healthcare workers. The paper emphasizes the suffering of disabled persons in low to middle-income countries, focusing on the lack of specialized rehabilitation and healthcare professionals trained in rehabilitation.

Study Duration

January to March 2019

Participants

Emergency and Intensive care physicians, Neurosurgeons, Rehabilitation specialists, Allied health professionals, hospitals’ administrative staff, and patients sustaining SCI from 5 different Moroccan regions

Evidence Level

Country case study

Key Findings

1
Epidemiological data on SCI in Morocco is scarce due to the absence of a national registry and inconsistencies in healthcare information systems.
2
Persons living with SCI in Morocco often face challenges such as being paraplegic, female, illiterate, unemployed, and lacking healthcare insurance coverage.
3
There is a significant delay in transporting SCI patients to healthcare facilities due to a shortage of ambulances and trained staff.

Research Summary

The study provides an overview of the healthcare management of SCI patients in Morocco, emphasizing the lack of a national SCI registry and the resulting scarcity of epidemiological data. SCI patients in Morocco encounter numerous challenges, including delays in transportation to healthcare facilities, shortages of surgical materials and medications, and limited access to post-acute inpatient rehabilitation centers. The authors highlight the urgent need for improved healthcare policies and resources for SCI patients in Morocco, including better access to rehabilitation services and financial support for reintegration into society.

Practical Implications

Improve Data Collection

Establish a national SCI registry to gather accurate epidemiological data, enabling better healthcare policy development and resource allocation.

Enhance Emergency Response

Increase the number of ambulances and train emergency personnel in SCI management to reduce delays in transporting patients to appropriate healthcare facilities.

Expand Rehabilitation Services

Develop post-acute inpatient rehabilitation centers and train healthcare professionals in functional rehabilitation to improve the quality of care for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study relies on scarce epidemiological data due to the absence of a national SCI registry.
2
The findings are based on interviews and clinical experience, which may introduce subjective bias.
3
There is a lack of published information on the living and wellbeing of Moroccan people with SCI in the community.

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