Spinal cord injury care in the pandemic era – the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury – Rehabilitation Association responds with innovation

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1987112 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Innovation in rehabilitation practice includes device prototypes, new physical interventions, rehabilitation methods, systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and applied clinical research trials. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for change, requiring adaptation from rehabilitation providers, family caregivers, and individuals with spinal cord injury. The Canadian SCI community is working to overcome challenges in delivering the best possible care to individuals living with SCI during the pandemic.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The pandemic highlighted the importance of SCI rehabilitation services concerning patient flow, management of neurologic impairments among individuals with long COVID, and the value of redeployed rehabilitation service providers.
2
Community agencies and care providers are recognized as the mission-critical "frontline in healthcare."
3
The need to reflect on temporary changes in service delivery introduced during the pandemic to determine which should be embraced as sustainable innovations.

Research Summary

The editorial discusses the innovation in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the adaptations made by healthcare providers and the Canadian SCI community. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and sustaining beneficial changes in service delivery implemented during the pandemic, while discontinuing those that are inefficient or intolerable. The editorial acknowledges the support of the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine in the organization’s academic growth and relevance to individuals living with SCI.

Practical Implications

Virtual Care Expansion

Increased utilization and acceptance of virtual care models for SCI rehabilitation, potentially improving access and convenience for patients.

Service Delivery Adaptations

Re-evaluation of traditional service delivery models to incorporate successful pandemic-driven adaptations, leading to more efficient and patient-centered care.

Community Care Integration

Enhanced recognition and integration of community agencies and family caregivers as essential members of the healthcare team for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of specific data on the effectiveness of implemented innovations.
2
Limited discussion of the long-term sustainability of the changes.
3
Focus primarily on the Canadian SCI community, potentially limiting generalizability.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury