The pattern of urologic care among traumatic spinal cord injured patients

This study looked at how often people with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in Ontario, Canada, see a urologist. It checked if this has changed over 10 years (2002-2012) and what factors might affect whether they get urologic care. The study found that many TSCI patients don't see a urologist, and this hasn't improved much. Women and older patients are even less likely to get referred to a urologist. This matters because regular urologic check-ups can prevent problems for TSCI patients. The study suggests we need to understand why some patients don't get this care and fix any barriers.

• 1
  Only 66% of TSCI patients were assessed by a urologist, with a median time of 0.7 years after the injury.
• 2
  There was no significant change in the proportion of TSCI patients seen by a urologist within 1 year of injury over the 10-year study period.
• 3
  Female patients and patients over 65 were significantly less likely to be referred to a urologist after TSCI.