Process of caring for patients with spinal-cord injury

case management as a strategy of hospital discharge

Abstract

This study aimed at understanding the process of discharge from hospital of patients with spinal-cord injury according to health professional teams. The research was conducted considering the process of discharge from hospital of patients with spinal-cord injury introducing case management, which is a modality of service that puts one professional in charge of the integral healthcare of patients. Through a qualitative analysis the study was conducted with health professionals from the Emergency Department, Surgery Clinic and Orthopedics Clinic of Ribeirão Preto Emergency Hospital (UE). Semi-structured interviews were used as a technique to collect data during April, 2000, with 3 physicians, 1 physical therapist, 2 social workers, 1 dietician, 5 nurses, 2 nursing technicans and 3 nursing auxiliaries. The thematic units of the research comprised: characterization of the care given to patients with spinal-cord injury during hospital stay; needs or problems of patients with spinal-cord injury; problems or difficulties in caring for patients with spinal-cord injury; preparation for discharge: what is real and what is ideal.