Workshop on spinal cord injuries (SCI) management: the Chiang Mai experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Health workers in South Asia require enhanced knowledge in spinal cord injury (SCI) management.
• Targeted training programs are crucial for improving healthcare delivery in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide health workers in South Asia with an opportunity to improve their knowledge in the comprehensive management of SCI.
• To assess the effectiveness and participant satisfaction of a specialized SCI management workshop.

Main Methods:

• A three-day workshop was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from November 5-7, 1997.
• The workshop included two days of lectures and one day of interactive workshops and discussions.
• Participants (n=160) from South Asia, China, India, and Bangladesh, along with faculty (n=16) from Europe, Australia, and Thailand, attended the event.
• Evaluation was conducted using questionnaires to gather feedback on program utility and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 92% of participants found the workshop highly useful for their professional development.
• Participant satisfaction with the overall program quality was high, with 88% expressing satisfaction.
• The workshops and discussion sessions on the final day received a 92% satisfaction rate.

Conclusions:

• The training workshop was highly effective in enhancing participants' knowledge of SCI management.
• High satisfaction rates suggest the program's success and potential for replication.
• A follow-up study is recommended to further refine and plan future efficacious training programs for SCI management.