Satisfaction with access and quality of healthcare services for people with spinal cord injury living in the community

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1486623 · Published: January 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Healthcare

Simple Explanation

This study examined how satisfied people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are with their healthcare. It looked at the availability and quality of care they receive for SCI-related health issues. The research identified factors that make it difficult for individuals with SCI to access the healthcare services they need, such as transportation problems and living far from specialized SCI centers. The study also found that people with incomplete paraplegia and chronic pain were less satisfied with their healthcare, highlighting the need for better support and advocacy for these specific groups.

Study Duration

2011 to early 2013

Participants

492 people with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
Elderly individuals rated the availability and quality of healthcare higher than younger individuals.
2
People with incomplete paraplegia, chronic pain, insufficient access to long distance transportation, and longer travel distances to specialized SCI centers had lower perceived fulfillment of healthcare needs.
3
Transportation barriers are related to the perceived inadequateness of access to healthcare services.

Research Summary

The study aimed to identify barriers to healthcare access and determinants of satisfaction with healthcare services for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The results showed that transportation barriers and longer travel distances to specialized SCI centers were associated with lower satisfaction and perceived fulfillment of healthcare needs. The study concluded that outreach services or support with transportation are possible solutions, and enhanced advocacy is needed for vulnerable groups like people with incomplete paralysis and pain.

Practical Implications

Improve Transportation Access

Provide outreach services and transportation support to reduce transportation barriers and increase access to healthcare.

Enhance Advocacy for Vulnerable Groups

Prioritize comprehensive care and advocacy for individuals with incomplete paralysis and chronic pain to address their specific healthcare needs.

Decentralize SCI Outpatient Clinics

Establish decentralized SCI outpatient clinics in regions where individuals must travel long distances to specialized centers to improve healthcare access.

Study Limitations

1
Satisfaction is subjective and influenced by expectations and personal characteristics.
2
Self-reported lesion level, lesion completeness, and secondary health conditions may not be as accurate as healthcare records.
3
Potential barriers to care not addressed include long waiting times, unavailability of services at specific times, high costs, lack of knowledge, and lack of SCI expertise.

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