Participatory continuous nursing using the WeChat platform for patients with spinal cord injuries

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to analyse the effect of participatory continuous nursing using the WeChat platform on the complications, family function and compliance of patients with spinal cord injuries. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. Seventy-eight patients with stable disease treated by internal fixation were enrolled in the study from August 2017 to August 2019 and assigned equally to an observation group and a control group. The control group received regular care from the time of discharge. The observation group used the WeChat platform to participate in continuous care. RESULTS: Six months after discharge, the continuous nursing group had a significantly lower incidence of pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, joint contractures and muscle atrophy than the control group. The continuous nursing group showed a significant improvement in family function level and compliance behaviour at 3 and 6 months after discharge. CONCLUSION: A participation-based continuous nursing intervention using the WeChat platform can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, joint contracture and muscle atrophy; improve patient family function; and promote healthy compliance behaviour.