C - CROSS CONTINUUM EDUCATION OF CLINICIANS AND STAFF WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH SCI






C.1.1

We recommend healthcare professionals with expertise in wound care provide training to healthcare professionals on preventing a pressure injury, including:

  1. who is most likely to be at risk of developing a pressure injury
  2. how to identify pressure damage
  3. what steps to take to prevent new or further pressure damage
  4. who to contact for further information and for further action.
(Adapted from NICE PU 2014, p.385; Level B)

C.1.2

Provide further training to healthcare professionals who have contact with anyone who has been assessed as being at high risk of developing a pressure injury. Training should include:

  1. how to carry out a risk and skin assessment
  2. how to reposition
  3. information on pressure redistributing devices
  4. discussion of pressure injury prevention and management with patients and their caregivers
  5. details of sources of advice and support
  6. information regarding the importance of nutrition related to pressure injury prevention.
(Adapted from NICE PU 2014, p.385; Level B)


C.2.1
Clinicians should develop a sexual health education and treatment plan with the individual based on their sexual history, physical exam findings and preferences. (Adapted from CSCM 2010, p.309; Level C)

C.2.2
Clinicians should educate individuals with SCI about the effects of prescription medication (over-the-counter and herbal remedies) on sexual response and fertility. (Adapted from CSCM 2010, p.309; Level C)

C.2.3
Clinicians should educate individuals with SCI about the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as unhealthy eating habits and obesity, on sexual response and fertility. (Adapted from CSCM 2010, p.309; Level C)

C.2.4
When counselling on the sexual health of an individual, clinicians should consider socio-cultural and religious influences and do not make assumptions about sexuality based on age. (Adapted from CSCM 2010, p.313; Level C)

C.2.5
Use professionally approved educational videos and vetted websites when providing sexual health education using media. Institutions should provide sexual health educators institutional access to these resources. (Adapted from CSCM 2010, p.313; Level C)

C.2.6
Clinicians should ensure premenopausal women with SCI have proper information regarding the effect of injury on menstruation and discuss contraception options. If menses have not resumed one year after injury, an endocrinology referral should be sought by the primary care provider. (CAN-SCIP 2020; Level C)

C.2.7
Education should be provided to men with SCI that reflex erections could occur with either sexual stimulation or nonsexual stimuli. (Adapted from CSCM 2010, p.320; Level B)


C.3.1
Psychology services should be available in acute, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care settings as part of the multi-disciplinary interprofessional team. (CAN-SCIP 2020; Level C)


C.4.1
Use telerehabilitation for the prevention and management of pressure injuries in individuals with SCI. (Adapted from PU-ONF 2013, p.192; Level A)