Secondary health conditions and spinal cord injury: an uphill battle in the journey of care

This study examines the challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in managing secondary health conditions (SHCs). It explores the experiences of patients, care providers, and policymakers in Ontario, Canada. The research uses a case study approach to understand the complex factors influencing the journey of care for SCI patients. It considers individual, care provider, and health system perspectives. The study highlights the persistent struggles and systemic barriers that individuals with SCI encounter in accessing timely and appropriate care, ultimately affecting their quality of life.

• 1
  The study identified 'fighting' as a major over-arching theme, reflecting the struggles faced by all stakeholders in the prevention and management of SHCs.
• 2
  Participants reported issues such as social isolation, system abandonment, funding inequities, and paternalistic healthcare policies that hinder self-management.
• 3
  The study reveals tensions related to gender roles in informal caregiving, communication and coordination of care, and differing perspectives on models of care.