Reframing the Science and Practice of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Two Decades of Reflection

Cord Medicine, Null · DOI: · Published: April 7, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The Canadian Spinal Cord Injury – Rehabilitation Association (CSCI-RA) was created to promote interprofessional dialogue among clinicians and scientists, as well as persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and families, to bring about change in the field of SCI rehabilitation. The organization has engaged people living with SCI, family care providers, and stakeholders across the country to foster a culture that promotes comradery and dialogue with staff, scientists, and regulated health care providers. The CSCI-RA relies heavily on volunteerism and partnerships with organizations to realize its vision, supported by initial funds from the Canadian Spinal Research Organization and other investments.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

People with spinal cord injury (SCI), family care providers, and stakeholders

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
CSCI-RA has successfully raised the profile of SCI rehabilitation in Canada and helped to drive academic progress, attract students to train and remain in the field, and disseminate meeting materials.
2
The organization has openly discussed failings as a community, included the voice of people with lived experience, and celebrated the growth and development of the field.
3
Articles in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine from 2012 to 2021 related to the CSCI-RA have had a high impact, with approximately 94,726 views and downloads.

Research Summary

The Canadian Spinal Cord Injury – Rehabilitation Association (CSCI-RA) was founded in 2002 to foster interprofessional dialogue and collaboration among clinicians, scientists, individuals with SCI, and their families to advance SCI rehabilitation. CSCI-RA has focused on inclusivity, engaging people with lived experience, family care providers, and stakeholders, and has relied heavily on volunteerism and partnerships to achieve its goals. The organization has been effective in raising the profile of SCI rehabilitation in Canada, promoting academic progress, attracting students to the field, and disseminating knowledge through publications and conferences.

Practical Implications

Promoting Interprofessional Collaboration

Encourages the continued dialogue and collaboration among clinicians, scientists, individuals with SCI, and their families.

Enhancing Inclusivity

Highlights the importance of including the voices and experiences of people with lived experience in research and practice.

Driving Academic Progress

Supports further efforts to promote academic progress and attract students to the field of SCI rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
Reliance on volunteerism and partnerships.
2
Challenges related to geography in providing rehabilitation services across Canada.
3
The relative rarity of spinal cord injuries among Canadians

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