The delivery of specialist spinal cord injury services in Queensland and the potential for telehealth

This study looks at how specialist spinal cord injury services are delivered in Queensland, Australia, and whether telehealth could be used to improve access to these services, especially for those living far from Brisbane. The study found that many patients live far from specialist services and may not be getting the same level of care as those closer to Brisbane. Telehealth could help bridge this gap. The researchers suggest that telehealth, by connecting patients with local healthcare providers, could improve access to care and reduce the need for long-distance travel.

• 1
  74% of patients referred to the QSCIS were male, with a median age of 51 years.
• 2
  24% of patients lived further than 200 km from Brisbane, suggesting potential inequities in access to specialist services.
• 3
  Outreach services supported a larger proportion (33%) of patients living further away from Brisbane, mainly by telephone contact, liaison with other health professionals or during physical outreach visits to regional centres.