Seeking sufficient and appropriate care during the first year after spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

This study explores the challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in accessing rehabilitation and community reintegration during the first year after their injury. The research highlights that people with SCI often experience difficulties in receiving sufficient and appropriate care, facing barriers such as shorter hospital stays and limited access to specialized services. The study also points out issues with insurance coverage and the need for better rehabilitation models to support individuals with SCI in their transition to independent living.

• 1
  Participants experienced an average of four transitions across healthcare institutions within the first three months post-injury, indicating a fragmented care pathway.
• 2
  Half of the participants were discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNF), where they faced challenges such as difficulty choosing a facility and premature cessation of therapy.
• 3
  Resource navigation proved challenging, with participants reporting barriers to communication, information access, and managing multiple concerns simultaneously.