Progress of the Dutch Spinal Cord Injury Database: Completeness of Database and Profile of Patients Admitted for Inpatient Rehabilitation in 2015

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2402-141 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study describes the Dutch SCI Database (NDD), its included patients, and completeness. It profiles patients with traumatic (T-SCI) and non-traumatic (NT-SCI) spinal cord injuries in the Netherlands. The NDD includes patients admitted for their first inpatient rehabilitation after SCI to one of eight specialized rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands. Data from patients admitted in 2015 were analyzed. Data were available for 424 patients at admission, and discharge data were available for 310 (73.1%). Data were mostly complete for lower urinary tract, bowel, pain, and skin functions.

Study Duration

1 Year (2015 admissions)

Participants

424 patients admitted for first inpatient rehabilitation after SCI onset

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Most patients were male (63.4%), had NT-SCI (65.5%), and incomplete SCI (58.4% AIS D).
2
Patients with T-SCI stayed significantly longer in rehabilitation compared to NT-SCI patients (112 vs 65 days).
3
Data completeness varied, with sexual function data being the least complete.

Research Summary

The Dutch SCI Database (NDD) collects data on patients admitted for first inpatient rehabilitation after SCI in specialized centers in the Netherlands. Data from 2015 showed that most patients had non-traumatic SCI, were male, and had incomplete injuries. Traumatic SCI patients had longer rehabilitation stays. Data completeness varied, with lower rates for sexual function and quality of life data. The NDD shows promise as a national database despite current limitations.

Practical Implications

Improved Data Collection

Efforts should focus on improving the completeness of data collection, particularly for sexual function and quality of life, to enhance the utility of the NDD.

Targeted Interventions

The differing characteristics and rehabilitation needs of T-SCI and NT-SCI patients suggest the need for tailored treatment approaches.

Database Expansion

Expanding the NDD to include follow-up data and data from non-specialized centers could provide a more comprehensive longitudinal view of SCI outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The NDD is not population-based and only includes patients treated in specialized rehabilitation centers.
2
The NDD currently only includes patients admitted for their first inpatient rehabilitation after SCI onset.
3
Time constraints and lack of external funding limit the completeness and accuracy checks of the data collection.

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