The Relationship Between Care Preparedness and Care Competencies of Caregivers Caring for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study. OBJECTIVES Spinal cord injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the caregiving competence and readiness of first-time caregivers for individuals with SCI. METHODS The study included 122 first-time caregivers of patients with paraplegia and tetraplegia hospitalized in a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital in Ankara. The data collection tools comprised a 'Descriptive Characteristics Form,' the 'Caregiving Preparedness Scale,' and the 'Caregiving Competence Scale.' RESULTS Among the participants, 77% were female, and 41.8% had at least one chronic disease. Furthermore, 73.8% had received training from healthcare professionals on caregiving. The most challenging aspect of caregiving was patient transfer (45.1%). A statistically significant and strong positive correlation was found between caregiving competence and readiness to provide care (r = 0.836; p < 0.001). Additionally, caregivers with higher education levels exhibited greater caregiving competence and preparedness. CONCLUSİON The findings suggest that comprehensive and individualized training programs during the rehabilitation process of individuals with spinal cord injury can enhance caregivers' competence and readiness, ultimately improving caregiving outcomes.