State of the Science Conference in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation 2011: introduction

Spinal Cord, 2012 · DOI: 10.1038/sc.2012.13 · Published: May 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This article introduces the State of the Science (SoS) conference framework, which merges questions about the future of spinal cord injury (SCI) research with answers based on past achievements. The conference aimed to address the changing landscape of SCI care and anticipated advancements over the next 10 years, involving clinicians, researchers, and people with SCI. The conference defined four track themes: neurologic and functional recovery; aging and secondary conditions; technology for mobility and function; and psychosocial, vocational and quality of life outcomes.

Study Duration

18 months planning

Participants

More than 450 participants from 29 countries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The SoS conference identified priority goals, barriers to success, essential research approaches, and a vision for the future of SCI rehabilitation over the next 10 years.
2
The conference involved 37 federal agencies and private organizations, highlighting a shared commitment to improving SCI care, rehabilitation, and outcomes through research.
3
Recommendations from the conference were synthesized from input provided by over 450 participants from 29 countries, reflecting the diversity and depth of the four tracks.

Research Summary

The State of the Science (SoS) conference in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation was held to address the current state and future directions of SCI rehabilitation research. The conference was structured around four key themes and involved a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, individuals with SCI, and representatives from federal agencies and private organizations. The conference aimed to develop a research agenda for the next 10 years, focusing on improving SCI care, rehabilitation, and outcomes through collaborative efforts and shared interests.

Practical Implications

Research Prioritization

The SoS recommendations can serve as a basis for future research strategies in SCI rehabilitation.

Collaborative Efforts

The involvement of diverse stakeholders can promote shared interests and commitment to improving SCI care.

Policy and Practice

Feedback from providers, individuals with SCI, and policymakers is crucial for implementing the recommendations from the SoS conference.

Study Limitations

1
The conference did not focus on advances in experimental procedures to reverse SCI.
2
The incidence of traumatic SCI remains relatively low compared with other neurologic trauma.
3
The recommendations require continuous reassessment to ensure relevance and impact on the field.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury