Awareness level related to spinal cord injury among emergency healthcare providers in Jordan.
International emergency nursing · 2026-01-17 · Observational study
Abstract
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.