Awareness level related to spinal cord injury among emergency healthcare providers in Jordan.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to evaluate the awareness of spinal cord injuries among emergency healthcare providers in Jordan, due to rising incidents from traffic accidents and other medical conditions.

METHODOLOGY: A 20-item structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and self-reported practices of emergency healthcare providers dealing with spinal cord injuries.

RESULTS

Among 144 participants, the overall mean awareness level related to Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) was 16.19/20 ± 5.01. Among those, only 44.4 % of the participants were found to have a "good" knowledge level, while 55.6 % lacked adequate management knowledge for SCI. However, 59.7 % reported high first response rates. Many providers were unfamiliar with immediate spinal stabilization and proper handling methods. Self-reported practice correlated with knowledge acquisition.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: There is a need for educational and training programs to improve competencies in managing spinal cord injuries, which can enhance patient outcomes and reduce socio-economic burdens. Addressing educational gaps can lead to more effective emergency response strategies in Jordan.

PREVALENCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study enhances understanding of spinal cord injuries and suggests improving emergency healthcare services in Jordan through regular training, simulation-based learning, and continuous professional development. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.