Knowledge of autonomic dysreflexia in the emergency department

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of knowledge that medical staff in the emergency department and spinal unit have of autonomic dysreflexia, its causes, symptoms, treatment and complications; and to educate the participating staff about autonomic dysreflexia. METHOD: The study design was a prospective questionnaire, which was completed by 91 staff in the spinal unit and emergency department in Christchurch, who then undertook a teaching session on autonomic dysreflexia. RESULTS: 29 of 70 staff in emergency department could not answer any questions. The average mark out of 29 was 2 for the emergency department and 12 for the spinal unit. Only 16 staff in the emergency department had had teaching on autonomic dysreflexia previously. CONCLUSION: Due to the potentially serious complications of autonomic dysreflexia, staff require teaching on autonomic dysreflexia accompanied by permanent reminders in the form of posters.