International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) database: Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) Pilot Project [IDAPP]

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s41394-018-0076-5 · Published: April 11, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study addresses the lack of spinal cord injury data from low and middle-income countries by conducting a pilot project in Asia. The project aimed to assess the suitability of data collection methods and a web platform for a larger global study, while also gathering injury and safety data. The results confirmed the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of establishing a spinal cord injury database in these regions.

Study Duration

1 Year

Participants

975 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study confirmed the relevance and appropriateness of the processes, data variables, and web platform for establishing a SCI database.
2
Falls were identified as the most common cause of traumatic spinal cord injury in the studied Asian population, with a higher percentage of complete injuries observed.
3
The project provided a low-cost solution for creating a data repository in low and middle-income countries, costing USD 7780 for one year.

Research Summary

The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) database Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) Pilot Project (IDAPP) aimed to address the paucity of data from low and middle income countries (LMICs) regarding traumatic spinal cord injury (T-SCI). The study assessed the suitability of database variables, processes, and a web platform, while also capturing demographic and injury data from nine centers in Asia. The results confirmed the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of establishing a SCI database, highlighting falls as the most common cause of T-SCI in the region, and suggesting expansion to other centers and inclusion of non-traumatic SCI in future studies.

Practical Implications

Database Establishment

The study provides a framework for establishing similar databases in other low and middle-income countries.

Prevention Strategies

The identified causes of SCI, particularly falls, can inform targeted prevention programs.

Resource Allocation

Epidemiological data can guide the allocation of resources for SCI care and rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
The data may not be appropriately representative of the region since it was a center based study with a limited sample size.
2
The time required for data collection and entry for each patient was not documented.
3
The data is limited to traumatic SCI only.

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