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Development of Emotional Well-Being indicators to advance the quality of spinal cord injury rehabilitation: SCI-High Project

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1605750 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord InjuryHealthcareMental Health

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on improving the emotional well-being of individuals with spinal cord injuries by creating measurable indicators for rehabilitation programs. The aim is to standardize the assessment of emotional well-being during and after rehabilitation to ensure equal access to care across different locations. The project developed indicators to screen for depression and anxiety, and to track whether patients are receiving the necessary support and referrals.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
Adult patients with SCI/D
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    The selected structure indicator is the proportion of staff with appropriate education and training in EWB and access to experts and resources.
  • 2
    The process indicator is the proportion of SCI/D patients who were screened for depression and anxiety symptoms at rehabilitation admission and rehabilitation discharge.
  • 3
    The intermediary outcome is the proportion of SCI/D patients at risk for depression or anxiety at rehabilitation discharge based on screening symptom scores.

Research Summary

The SCI-High initiative established indicators to assess EWB in adults with SCI/D within 18 months post-rehabilitation admission. The indicators are designed to identify symptoms of depression and anxiety and to capture whether individuals are receiving appropriate treatment referrals. The use of these indicators has the potential for advancing knowledge about the incidence and clinical course of depression and anxiety.

Practical Implications

Improved Screening

Routine screening for depression and anxiety can help identify at-risk individuals and ensure they receive timely mental health support.

Standardized Care

Implementing these indicators can promote standardized and equitable access to emotional well-being services across different rehabilitation centers.

Resource Allocation

Understanding the extent of depression and anxiety post-SCI/D could stimulate the development of SCI-specific clinical guidelines and reallocation of mental health resources.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Costs associated with identifying large numbers of individuals with depression and/or anxiety.
  • 2
    Inequity in the availability of resources across the country, with urban centers having more access to specialized services compared to rural regions.
  • 3
    Potential feasibility challenges with respect to obtaining informed consent from patients to share anonymized results.

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