Interdisciplinary follow-up clinic for people with spinal cord injury: a retrospective study of a carousel model

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-021-00451-0 · Published: September 16, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) often develop secondary health conditions (SHCs) that can limit their participation in daily life. This study explores how an interdisciplinary follow-up clinic can help prevent these SHCs. The clinic uses a 'carousel model' where patients meet with different specialists (physician, nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and social worker/psychologist) to assess their needs and provide recommendations. The study found that participants received many preventive recommendations, and most followed them, leading to the resolution of some health problems and stability in areas like respiratory function and body weight.

Study Duration

January 2012 to October 2020

Participants

264 people with SCI

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
Participants received an average of 3.9 recommendations per visit, largely focused on prevention and physical health issues.
2
A significant portion of participants followed the recommendations given, resulting in the resolution of the underlying problems in about 31% of cases.
3
Respiratory function and body weight remained stable over time for participants attending the follow-up clinics, suggesting a preventive effect.

Research Summary

This retrospective study examined the therapeutic content of an interdisciplinary follow-up clinic for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on the prevention and management of secondary health conditions (SHCs). The study found that participants received a high number of preventive recommendations, which were largely followed, leading to the resolution of some underlying health problems. The findings suggest that this interdisciplinary approach has added value in preventing SHCs, maintaining stable respiratory function and body weight, and ultimately improving the long-term health of individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Preventive Care

The study highlights the importance of preventive care in managing secondary health conditions among individuals with SCI.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The interdisciplinary nature of the follow-up clinic suggests a need for a collaborative team to address the complex needs of individuals with SCI.

Long-Term Follow-Up

The findings support the use of long-term follow-up care to maintain health and prevent complications in the SCI population.

Study Limitations

1
The study only included participants who attended the follow-up clinics, potentially introducing selection bias.
2
Information on whether recommendations were followed and problems were solved was often missing from medical records.
3
The retrospective design limits the ability to establish causality between the follow-up clinic and improved outcomes.

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