Parkwood’s VIP4SCI platform: A virtual e-health self-management solution for persons with spinal cord injury across the care continuum

DIGITAL HEALTH, 2024 · DOI: 10.1177/20552076241272618 · Published: July 9, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

The Parkwood VIP4SCI platform is a virtual e-health solution designed to aid individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in managing their health and transitioning between different stages of care. It aims to improve self-management skills in partnership with caregivers and clinicians. The platform was evaluated to determine its usability and feasibility as a model for facilitating service care post-rehabilitation. It provides tools and resources to help patients navigate the healthcare system and manage secondary complications. The study found that VIP4SCI was generally viewed as usable and feasible, with the educational resource hub being particularly beneficial. However, it also identified a lack of clinician engagement as a barrier to integration into routine practice.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

31 inpatients and outpatients, 20 clinicians

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The VIP4SCI platform was seen as usable and feasible by both patients and clinicians, with platform satisfaction scores ranging from +0.9 to +2.5 on a −3 to +3 scale.
2
Self-efficacy related to self-management, assessed through PROMs, ranged from 5.4 to 7.6 out of 10, indicating increased confidence among users.
3
The educational resource hub within the platform was identified as the most beneficial feature, having been accessed 171 times.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the Parkwood VIP4SCI platform, a virtual e-health solution designed to improve self-management skills for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during care transitions. Results indicated that the platform was considered usable and feasible, particularly its educational resource hub, though clinician uptake was limited. Despite low overall usage, the findings provide valuable insights into platform features and barriers to implementation, which can inform future e-health programming for SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Improved Care Coordination

E-health platforms like VIP4SCI can facilitate better coordination of care for SCI patients, particularly during transitions between inpatient and outpatient settings.

Enhanced Self-Management Skills

By providing tools and resources, these platforms can empower patients to take a more active role in managing their health and preventing secondary complications.

Targeted Platform Development

Future e-health initiatives should focus on improving clinician engagement and addressing technical barriers to ensure greater adoption and effectiveness.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits generalizability.
2
COVID-19 disruptions affected participant recruitment and data collection.
3
The use of an external IT developer presented accessibility and functional issues.

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