Transitional Care for Spinal Cord Injuries in Hong Kong SAR, China: A Narrative Review of the Local Experience

Healthcare, 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12232388 · Published: November 28, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review discusses transitional care for spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Hong Kong, where the government partners with NGOs to help patients transition from hospital to community living. A key component is the Jockey Club New Page Inn (JCNPI), an SCI transitional care facility run by SAHK. JCNPI provides person-centered support, including residential rehabilitation, post-discharge community day programs, and respite care. This approach is based on the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Over 16 years, 226 clients were discharged from residential rehabilitation, with 98.6% returning to community living. The transitional care model empowers patients and addresses their biopsychosocial needs, marking a shift from hospital-based rehabilitation.

Study Duration

16 Years

Participants

226 clients discharged from residential rehabilitation service

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI transitional care in Hong Kong offers person-centred support including residential rehabilitation, community day rehabilitation, and residential respite care.
2
A total of 223 (98.6%) clients have successfully returned to community living after being discharged from the residential rehabilitation service.
3
The SCI transitional care has transformed care for SCI patients from biomedical-oriented, hospital-based rehabilitation into a journey with an empowering and participatory approach.

Research Summary

The review examines the experience of implementing SCI transitional care in Hong Kong, focusing on the service model, facilitators, barriers, and future development. Service output and outcomes were evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The SCI transitional care model in Hong Kong provides person-centred support, including time-limited residential rehabilitation, post-discharge community day rehabilitation, and residential respite care. This intervention strategy aligns with the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Over the past 16 years, the SCI transitional care program has seen 226 clients discharged from residential rehabilitation, with 223 (98.6%) successfully returning to community living. Positive feedback has been received from service users, highlighting the program's effectiveness.

Practical Implications

Continuum of Care

The SCI transitional care model plays a crucial role in providing a continuum of care for individuals with SCI, facilitating their sustainable community reintegration.

Empowerment and Participation

The model shifts the focus from biomedical-oriented, hospital-based rehabilitation to an empowering and participatory approach, addressing the biopsychosocial needs of SCI patients.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Effective cross-sector collaboration between the social and medical sectors is essential for the success of SCI transitional care programs.

Study Limitations

1
Manpower shortage within NGOs due to competition with public hospitals.
2
Inadequate accessible transport services affecting participation in community day rehabilitation programs.
3
Some individuals with SCI or their families may not be willing or ready to consider community living.

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