Spinal Cord Injury in Middle-aged and Older Adults Who Had Undergone Active Rehabilitation Treatment at a Remote Hospital: A Case Series

Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.2490/prm.20220010 · Published: March 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates active rehabilitation treatment for middle-aged and older individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who often require long-term care, making it difficult for them to return home. Ten patients with SCI admitted to a general hospital in Wakayama Prefecture underwent active rehabilitation treatment and were retrospectively investigated. The study found that active rehabilitation treatment improved the activities of daily living of patients with SCI, and most were discharged home, maintaining their ADL after discharge.

Study Duration

April 2014 and March 2016

Participants

Ten patients with SCI

Evidence Level

Case Series

Key Findings

1
The Barthel Index (BI) scores significantly improved from 39.0 ± 30.9 at admission to 65.0 ± 28.2 at discharge (P<0.05).
2
Seven out of ten patients were discharged home after active rehabilitation treatment.
3
The activities of daily living of the discharged patients were maintained after discharge.

Research Summary

This case series reports on the active rehabilitation treatment and management of ten middle-aged and older patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) at a remote general hospital. The study found significant improvements in Barthel Index scores from admission to discharge, with most patients being discharged home. The activities of daily living of patients discharged home were maintained, highlighting the importance of active rehabilitation treatments by specialized professionals and management by rehabilitation doctors.

Practical Implications

Improved ADL and Discharge Rate

Active rehabilitation treatment in a remote hospital can improve ADL and increase the discharge rate for middle-aged and older SCI patients.

Maintenance of ADL After Discharge

Close collaboration with local family doctors and care managers is crucial for maintaining ADL after discharge.

Importance of Rehabilitation Specialists

Rehabilitation doctors and specialized professionals play a vital role in achieving satisfactory results in SCI patient care.

Study Limitations

1
Patients were initially treated in a general ward before potential transfer to a long-term medical care ward.
2
Performing rehabilitation treatment equivalent to that covered by medical insurance is institutionally difficult during rehabilitation management funded by long-term care insurance.
3
The Barthel Index (BI) was used as the evaluation outcome measure, while the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is often used in convalescent rehabilitation hospitals.

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