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Paraplegic Rehabilitation in South Africa

Team Members and their Goals

Nurses

Besides the standard nursing procedures, the nursing staff motivated the patient to improve his functional ability such as washing and dressing.

Physician

The physician assessed the patient daily to ensure that all body systems were functioning optimally. Regular bladder tests were done to ensure Zamani did not develop a bladder infection. The physician also assessed the stability of the fracture. Twelve weeks after the operation, flexion/extension x-rays were done to assess the stability of the fracture site. The results of the x-rays warranted removal of the brace.

Physiotherapist

Major goals were maintenance of joint range, strengthening, endurance training, and gait retraining to optimise functional ability.

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist taught Zamani about transferring, wheelchair handling, and maintenance and functional activities such as dressing.

Social Worker

Zamani and the rehab workers felt that it would be more convenient to stay at the university residence on campus rather than stay at home. The social worker assisted with the application and requested a room for Zamani on the ground level since the residence building had no lifts.

The social worker called his family regularly to ascertain how they were coping, and applied for a disability grant from the government for Zamani.

Educational Sessions

Various professionals gave educational sessions on bowel, bladder, pressure care, and sexual functioning. These group sessions were required for all spinal patients before discharge.

Team Liaison

All team members met every two weeks to discuss the patient's condition, progress, and individual team goals. At these meetings Zamani and his family learned about his progress and also received home advice.

Besides the above meetings, all key team members visited Zamani once a week in ward rounds.