Quality of healthcare directed to people with spinal cord injury according to Colombian regulations

Abstract

Objective To determine how heath regulations affect the comprehensive rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury in two health institutions of the city of Cali-Colombia. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study with 53 people. The independent variable was health regulations and the dependent variable was comprehensive rehabilitation. A univariate analysis was applied. Results Claiming fundamental health rights before a court is a mechanism that allows people with spinal injury to access health services for comprehensive rehabilitation, of which 81% claim pain treatment, 62% spasticity, 95% neurogenic bladder care, and 93% orthotic devices or wheel chairs. Conclusions Current health regulations in Colombia do not include timely mechanisms for people with spinal cord injury to have access to specific health services for comprehensive rehabilitation. It is important for interdisciplinary health teams to become familiar with regulations and provide early guidance to people with this type of injury, so that they can access the necessary healthcare services and prevent further complications such as depression or death from sepsis derived from urinary tract infections or pressure ulcers.