Evidence-based interventions by hospital social workers for patients with spinal cord injuries

Abstract: Some 120 to 150 people per year, in Sweden, injure their spinal cord in an often traumatic accident. During the initial trimester in a university hospital there are several issues arising for the patients, not only the fact that they suddenly cannot walk. The aim of this undergraduate thesis is to provide a review of selected literature on evidence-based interventions by hospital social workers for spinal cord injured. The method used in the thesis is database searches. Fourteen articles were included in the review. These articles have been divided into the categories: coping and interventions. Research shows that spinal cord injured have an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The most important findings were that spinal cord injured in both Sweden and Finland are dissatisfied with the societal services, that a spinal cord injury does not necessarily lead to anxiety and depression and that there are even positive outcomes of a spinal cord injury. Social and societal services are important in the adjustment process for spinal cord injured. Psychological interventions based on cognitive-behaviour therapy have been proven effective in the care of spinal cord injured.