DIGITAL HEALTH REHABILITATION CAN IMPROVE ACCESS TO CARE IN SPINAL CORD INJURY IN THE UK: A PROPOSED SOLUTION

International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 2020 · DOI: 10.5195/ijt.2020.6312 · Published: March 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

Spinal Cord Injury Centres in the UK face challenges in admitting all newly injured individuals due to limited resources. Follow-up care after discharge is often insufficient. Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, telehealth, and telerehabilitation, can improve rehabilitation access. A comprehensive web portal could offer evidence-based practice, information on guidelines, care pathways, and protocols for SCI management. Specialists could conduct remote consultations with patients and acute care specialists, ensuring timely access to expertise and improved outcomes. The proposed portal could also offer information, advice, and support to individuals with SCI and their families, and the strategic use of digital health technologies can lead to cost and time savings and better results.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 5, Commentary

Key Findings

1
Digital health technologies, including telemedicine, telehealth, and telerehabilitation, can enhance rehabilitation opportunities for individuals with SCI.
2
A comprehensive web portal can serve as a primary resource for evidence-based practice, guidelines, care pathways, and protocols of SCI management.
3
Remote consultations via a web portal can provide timely access to specialist input and improve clinical outcomes for persons with SCI during acute management and after discharge.

Research Summary

Spinal Cord Injury Centres (SCICs) in the United Kingdom (UK) face difficulties in admitting all newly injured individuals due to a lack of specialist beds, inadequate finance, and a shortage of skilled staff. The length of stay for admitted patients can be too brief, and follow-up care after discharge is sparse and inadequate. The authors propose that specialist spinal units redefine their roles to build capacity by enhancing expertise in the wider community, devolving certain tasks locally to less specialised units with support, training, and guidance. Digital Health Technologies, including telemedicine, telehealth, and telerehabilitation, can enhance rehabilitation opportunities. The authors envision a comprehensive web portal providing evidence-based practice, information on guidelines, care pathways, and protocols of SCI management.

Practical Implications

Improved Access to Care

Digital health can bridge gaps in access to specialist SCI care, particularly in remote areas.

Enhanced Follow-Up

Telehealth solutions can facilitate ongoing monitoring and support for individuals with SCI after discharge.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Digital health technologies can offer cost and time savings in SCI rehabilitation and long-term management.

Study Limitations

1
The commentary is based on the authors' clinical experience and a literature review, which may introduce bias.
2
The proposed web portal and app require further development and evaluation to assess their effectiveness and feasibility.
3
The adoption of digital health technologies may face challenges related to legislation, acceptance by healthcare professionals, and accessibility in areas with poor internet connectivity.

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