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Tomaschek R, Gemperli A, Essig S. Improving collaboration between specialists and general practitioners in services for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury living in rural areas of Switzerland: Baseline results from the SCI-Co study. J Spinal Cord Med 2024; 47:423-431. [PMID: 36441044 PMCID: PMC11044760 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2097996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE Strategies to combine primary and specialized care are crucial to meet the needs of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) located in rural areas. We explored the collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and SCI specialists who will participate in an intervention study to improve their collaboration. DESIGN A questionnaire survey from August to October 2020. SETTING Primary Care, Specialized SCI care. PARTICIPANTS Eight GPs and 13 SCI specialists. INTERVENTIONS Baseline results from the SCI-Co study. OUTCOME MEASURES N/A. RESULTS Overall, satisfaction ratings for the collaboration between GPs and SCI specialists were high, and all physicians agreed that they work together well. Especially, SCI specialists were satisfied in collaborating with GPs. Despite Switzerland's fragmented primary and secondary care system, only a few physicians reported about issues with delays and waiting lists. While GPs wanted to improve the quality of their referral, most SCI specialists reported being content with it. GPs were also discontent about discharge organization by specialists. CONCLUSION Satisfaction with collaboration was high, both in GPs and specialists. Areas for improvement include discharge and referral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tomaschek
- Center for Primary and Community Care, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Armin Gemperli
- Center for Primary and Community Care, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Essig
- Center for Primary and Community Care, Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Giroux EE, Athanasopoulos P, Sweet SN, Gainforth HL. A case study of using community-based consensus methods to facilitate shared decision-making among a spinal cord injury network. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1335467. [PMID: 38434234 PMCID: PMC10904660 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1335467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) research and policy decisions are rarely made in partnership with people with SCI, making them less relevant, applicable, and used by those whom the decisions are intended to support. Across disciplines, consensus methods have been promoted as a viable solution for supporting shared research and policy-based decision-making. In this paper, we describe a partnered approach between academic researchers and the Ontario SCI Alliance, a non-profit, SCI community mobilization network to co-develop and co-disseminate a community-based consensus exercise. The community-based consensus exercise included two modified Delphi surveys and one in-person retreat. The partnership's goal with this exercise was to facilitate shared decision-making for the development of their upcoming strategic plan. We then interviewed partners and participants from the Delphi and in-person retreat to discuss successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the exercise. Survey 1 was disseminated to over 2,500 members of the Ontario SCI community and received 374 responses (276 coming from people with SCI). Survey 2 had 118 responses, with 87 coming from people with SCI. The retreat had 73 attendees, including people with SCI, family/friends of people with SCI, clinicians, researchers, and SCI community and research organization staff/volunteers. The retreat included a presentation of the survey results, a clinician/researcher panel, and externally-facilitated working groups. All survey responses and retreat materials were synthesized. Using the synthesized feedback, the Ontario SCI Alliance was able to implement several changes for the Ontario SCI community, including higher-quality primary care experiences (reduced wait times, more accessible examining rooms), the development of a wound care strategy with the Ontario government, and an advocacy campaign for public coverage for catheters and urinary care supplies. From the five interviews conducted, five themes were co-constructed regarding the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the exercise: (1) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility; (2) Partnership; (3) Design Considerations; (4) Transparency and Clarity in Communication; and (5) Sustainability. Findings from this community case study demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a community-level consensus exercise among an equity-deserving group while providing detailed guidance for how to ensure future research and policy-based decision-making is shared across diverse knowledge users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Giroux
- Centre for Health Behaviour Change, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peter Athanasopoulos
- Department of Public Policy and Government Relations, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shane N. Sweet
- Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heather L. Gainforth
- Centre for Health Behaviour Change, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Bychkovska O, Strøm V, Tederko P, Engkasan JP, Juocevičius A, Battistella LR, Arora M, Egen C, Gemperli A. Health System's Role in Facilitating Health Service Access among Persons with Spinal Cord Injury across 22 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6056. [PMID: 37297660 PMCID: PMC10252714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Despite efforts to improve access to health services, between- and within-country access inequalities remain, especially for individuals with complex disabling conditions like spinal cord injury (SCI). Persons with SCI require regular multidisciplinary follow-up care yet experience more access barriers than the general population. This study examines health system characteristics associated with access among persons with SCI across 22 countries. (2) Methods: Study data are from the International Spinal Cord Injury Survey with 12,588 participants with SCI across 22 countries. Cluster analysis was used to identify service access clusters based on reported access restrictions. The association between service access and health system characteristics (health workforce, infrastructure density, health expenditure) was determined by means of classification and regression trees. (3) Results: Unmet needs were reported by 17% of participants: lowest (10%) in Japan, Spain, and Switzerland (cluster 1) and highest (62%) in Morocco (cluster 8). The country of residence was the most important factor in facilitating access. Those reporting access restrictions were more likely to live in Morocco, to be in the lowest income decile, with multiple comorbidities (Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS) score > 29) and low functioning status (Spinal Cord Independence Measure score < 53). Those less likely to report access restriction tended to reside in all other countries except Brazil, China, Malaysia, Morocco, Poland, South Africa, and South Korea and have fewer comorbidities (SCI-SCS < 23). (4) Conclusions: The country of residence was the most important factor in facilitating health service access. Following the country of residence, higher income and better health were the most important facilitators of service access. Health service availability and affordability were reported as the most frequent health access barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Bychkovska
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Institute, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Vegard Strøm
- Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, 1453 Nesoddtangen, Norway
| | - Piotr Tederko
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Mohit Arora
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, The Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Christoph Egen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Armin Gemperli
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Institute, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
- Center for Primary and Community Care, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
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Senthinathan A, Craven BC, Morris AM, Penner M, Tu K, Jaglal SB. Examining antibiotic prescribing and urine culture testing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a primary care spinal cord injury (SCI) cohort. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:345-351. [PMID: 37130883 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES To describe antibiotic prescribing and urine culture testing patterns for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a primary care Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) cohort. SETTING A primary care electronic medical records (EMR) database in Ontario. METHODS Using linked EMR health administrative databases to identify urine culture and antibiotic prescriptions ordered in primary care for 432 individuals with SCI from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015. Descriptive statistics were conducted to describe the SCI cohort, and physicians. Regression analyses were conducted to determine patient and physician factors associated with conducting a urine culture and class of antibiotic prescription. RESULTS The average annual number of antibiotic prescriptions for UTI for the SCI cohort during study period was 1.9. Urine cultures were conducted for 58.1% of antibiotic prescriptions. Fluroquinolones and nitrofurantoin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics. Male physicians and international medical graduates were more likely to prescribe fluroquinolones than nitrofurantoin for UTIs. Early-career physicians were more likely to order a urine culture when prescribing an antibiotic. No patient characteristics were associated with obtaining a urine culture or antibiotic class prescription. CONCLUSION Nearly 60% of antibiotic prescriptions for UTIs in the SCI population were associated with a urine culture. Only physician characteristics, not patient characteristics, were associated with whether or not a urine culture was conducted, and the class of antibiotic prescribed. Future research should aim to further understand physician factors with antibiotic prescribing and urine culture testing for UTIs in the SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrani Senthinathan
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- KITE (Knowledge Innovation Talent Everywhere), Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - B Catherine Craven
- KITE (Knowledge Innovation Talent Everywhere), Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew M Morris
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Sinai Health, University Health Network, and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melanie Penner
- Bloorview Research Institute / Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Western Family Health Team, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan B Jaglal
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Science Institute and Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Krysa JA, Pohar Manhas KJ, Loyola-Sanchez A, Casha S, Kovacs Burns K, Charbonneau R, Ho C, Papathanassoglou E. Mobilizing registry data for quality improvement: A convergent mixed-methods analysis and application to spinal cord injury. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:899630. [PMID: 37077292 PMCID: PMC10109451 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.899630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
IntroductionThe rising prevalence of complex chronic conditions and growing intricacies of healthcare systems emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary partnerships to advance coordination and quality of rehabilitation care. Registry databases are increasingly used for clinical monitoring and quality improvement (QI) of health system change. Currently, it is unclear how interdisciplinary partnerships can best mobilize registry data to support QI across care settings for complex chronic conditions.PurposeWe employed spinal cord injury (SCI) as a case study of a highly disruptive and debilitating complex chronic condition, with existing registry data that is underutilized for QI. We aimed to compare and converge evidence from previous reports and multi-disciplinary experts in order to outline the major elements of a strategy to effectively mobilize registry data for QI of care for complex chronic conditions.MethodsThis study used a convergent parallel-database variant mixed design, whereby findings from a systematic review and a qualitative exploration were analyzed independently and then simultaneously. The scoping review used a three-stage process to review 282 records, which resulted in 28 articles reviewed for analysis. Concurrent interviews were conducted with multidisciplinary-stakeholders, including leadership from condition-specific national registries, members of national SCI communities, leadership from SCI community organizations, and a person with lived experience of SCI. Descriptive analysis was used for the scoping review and qualitative description for stakeholder interviews.ResultsThere were 28 articles included in the scoping review and 11 multidisciplinary-stakeholders in the semi-structured interviews. The integration of the results allowed the identification of three key learnings to enhance the successful design and use of registry data to inform the planning and development of a QI initiative: enhance utility and reliability of registry data; form a steering committee lead by clinical champions; and design effective, feasible, and sustainable QI initiatives.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships to support QI of care for persons with complex conditions. It provides practical strategies to determine mutual priorities that promote implementation and sustained use of registry data to inform QI. Learnings from this work could enhance interdisciplinary collaboration to support QI of care for rehabilitation for persons with complex chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. Krysa
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation and Vision, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kiran J. Pohar Manhas
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation and Vision, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation and Vision, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Steve Casha
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katharina Kovacs Burns
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Clinical Quality Metrics, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rebecca Charbonneau
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Chester Ho
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation and Vision, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Papathanassoglou
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation and Vision, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Correspondence: Elizabeth Papathanassoglou
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Brady J, Mouneimne M, Milaney K. Environmental and systems experiences of persons with spinal cord injury and their caregivers when transitioning from acute care to community living during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative case study. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2023; 9:8. [PMID: 36906673 PMCID: PMC10006547 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-023-00561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Comparative case study OBJECTIVES: To elevate the voices of and capture the lived environmental and systems experiences of persons with spinal cord injury (PWSCI) and their caregivers, in transitions from inpatient rehabilitation to the community. Also, to examine the perceived and actual availability and accessibility of services and programs for this group. SETTING Inpatient rehabilitation unit and community in Calgary, Alberta, Canada METHODS: As a comparative case study, this research included multiple sources of data including brief demographic surveys, pre- and post-discharge semi-structured interviews, and conceptual mapping of services and programs for PWSCI and caregivers in Calgary, Canada (dyads). Three dyads (six participants) were recruited from an inpatient rehabilitation unit at an acute care facility, from October 2020 to January 2021. Interviews were analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. RESULTS Dyads described transition experiences from inpatient rehabilitation to community as uncertain and unsupported. Breakdowns in communication, COVID-19 restrictions, and challenges in navigating physical spaces and community services were identified by participants as concerns. Concept mapping of programs and services showed a gap in identification of available resources and a lack of services designed for both PWSCI and their caregivers together. CONCLUSIONS Areas for innovation were identified that may improve discharge planning and community reintegration for dyads. There is an intensified need for PWSCI and caregiver engagement in decision-making, discharge planning and patient-centered care during the pandemic. Novel methods used may provide a framework for future SCI research in comparable settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Brady
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | | | - Katrina Milaney
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Rivera JMB, Yousefi C, Cheng CL, Norman CD, Legare J, McFarlane A, Noonan VK. Optimizing spinal cord injury care in Canada: Development of a framework for strategy and action. Front Public Health 2022; 10:921926. [PMID: 36420007 PMCID: PMC9678047 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.921926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
National health strategies are integral in defining the vision and strategic direction for ensuring the health of a population or for a specific health area. To facilitate a national coordinated approach in spinal cord injury (SCI) research and care in Canada, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, with support from national experts and funding from the Government of Canada, developed a national strategy to advance SCI care, health, and wellness based on previous SCI strategic documents. This paper describes the development process of the SCI Care for Canada: A Framework for Strategy and Action. Specifically, it covers the process of building on historical and existing work of SCI in Canada through a thorough review of literature to inform community consultations and co-creation design. Furthermore, this paper describes planning for communication, dissemination, and evaluation. The SCI Care Strategic Framework promotes an updated common understanding of the goals and vision of the SCI community, as well as strengths and priorities within the SCI system regarding care, health, and wellness. Additionally, it supports the coordination and scaling up of SCI advancements to make a sustainable impact nationwide focusing on the needs of people living with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vanessa K. Noonan
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Vanessa K. Noonan
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Bychkovska O, Tederko P, Engkasan JP, Hajjioui A, Gemperli A. Healthcare service utilization patterns and patient experience in persons with spinal cord injury: a comparison across 22 countries. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:755. [PMID: 35672727 PMCID: PMC9175375 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07844-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with spinal cord injury frequently visit numerous clinical settings. Such all-around experience of the system may serve as a comprehensive experience indicator. This study compared the patient experience of persons with chronic SCI in relation to healthcare service utilization patterns in 22 countries, hypothesizing that primary-care oriented patterns would offer a better experience. METHODS This study was based on International Spinal Cord Injury Survey with 12,588 participants across 22 countries worldwide. Utilization patterns/clusters were identified by cluster analysis and experience score - by the partial credit model. The association between healthcare utilization and experience at the provider and cluster level was explored by regression analysis. RESULTS The highest share of visits was to primary care physicians (18%) and rehabilitation physicians (16%). Utilization patterns had diverse orientations: from primary care to specialized and from inpatient to outpatient. The experience was reported as very good and good across different dimensions: 84% reported respectful treatment; 81% - clear explanations; 77% - involvement in decision making; 65% - satisfaction with care. The average experience score (0-100) was 64, highest - 74 (Brazil) and the lowest - 52 (Japan, South Korea). Service utilization at provider and at cluster levels were associated with patient experience, but no utilization pattern resulted in uniformly better patient experience. CONCLUSION While there are distinct patterns between countries on how persons with chronic SCI navigate the healthcare system, we found that different utilization patterns led to similar patient experience. The observed difference in patient experience is likely determined by other contextual factors than service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Bychkovska
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland.
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, 6002, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Piotr Tederko
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University of Warsaw, 02637, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Abderrazak Hajjioui
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, 1975, Fes, Morocco
| | - Armin Gemperli
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, 6002, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Center for Primary and Community Care, University of Lucerne, 6002, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Krysa JA, Gregorio MP, Pohar Manhas K, MacIsaac R, Papathanassoglou E, Ho CH. Empowerment, Communication, and Navigating Care: The Experience of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury From Acute Hospitalization to Inpatient Rehabilitation. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:904716. [PMID: 36188987 PMCID: PMC9397833 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.904716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in long-term functional impairments that significantly impact participation and role in the community. Newly injured persons are often reintroduced to the community with significant deficits in knowledge, including how to access and navigate community resources and supports. This warrants a better understanding of the patient experience of in-hospital care and discharge planning to ensure individuals with SCI are best supported during transitions in care and while living in the community. Objective To explore the lived experience of persons with acute SCI and their perceptions of care, focusing on the initial hospital experiences to inpatient rehabilitation. Methods A phenomenological research study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Eligible participants had differing etiologies of SCI (including non-traumatic and traumatic SCI), were over the age of 18 at the time of initial care, and experienced acute hospital and inpatient rehabilitation at an Alberta-based institution within the last 10 years. One-on-one interviews took place between March and June 2021 over telephone or virtual platforms (Zoom). Interview transcripts, and field notes developed the text, which underwent hermeneutic analysis to develop central themes. Results The present study included 10 participants living with an SCI in Alberta, Canada. Most participants (80%) were male. Participants' age ranged from 24 to 69 years. The median years since initial SCI was 3 years. Interviews lasted 45–75 min. Seven participants identified as having a traumatic SCI injury and three identified as having a non-traumatic SCI. The interplay between empowerment and disempowerment emerged as the core theme, permeating participants' meanings and perceptions. Three main themes emerged from the interviews regarding the perceptions of the SCI patient experience. Each theme represents a perception central to their inpatient experience: desire to enhance functional independence to empower confidence and self-management; need for effective communication with healthcare providers to support recovery; and navigating appropriate care supports to enhance preparedness for discharge and returning home. Conclusion This study demonstrates the significant need to enhance education of person/family-centered SCI care, foster positive communication between care recipients and care providers, and facilitate better in-hospital access to appropriate navigation and wayfinding supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. Krysa
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, and Vision Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marianne Pearl Gregorio
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, and Vision Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kiran Pohar Manhas
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, and Vision Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rob MacIsaac
- Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Papathanassoglou
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, and Vision Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Chester H. Ho
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, and Vision Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chester H. Ho
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Family Physician's and Primary Care Team's Perspectives on Supporting Family Caregivers in Primary Care Networks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063293. [PMID: 33806725 PMCID: PMC8005195 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Research, practice, and policy have focused on educating family caregivers to sustain care but failed to equip healthcare providers to effectively support family caregivers. Family physicians are well-positioned to care for family caregivers. Methods. We adopted an interpretive description design to explore family physicians and primary care team members’ perceptions of their current and recommended practices for supporting family caregivers. We conducted focus groups with family physicians and their primary care team members. Results. Ten physicians and 42 team members participated. We identified three major themes. “Family physicians and primary care teams can be a valuable source of support for family caregivers” highlighted these primary care team members’ broad recognition of the need to support family caregiver’s health. “What stands in the way” spoke to the barriers in current practices that precluded supporting family caregivers. Primary care teams recommended, “A structured approach may be a way forward.” Conclusion. A plethora of research and policy documents recommend proactive, consistent support for family caregivers, yet comprehensive caregiver support policy remains elusive. The continuity of care makes primary care an ideal setting to support family caregivers. Now policy-makers must develop consistent protocols to assess, and care for family caregivers in primary care.
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Ho C, Atchison K, Noonan VK, McKenzie N, Cadel L, Ganshorn H, Rivera JMB, Yousefi C, Guilcher SJT. Models of Care Delivery from Rehabilitation to Community for Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:677-697. [PMID: 33191849 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a chronic condition that results in high healthcare utilization and lifetime cost across the care continuum. In the absence of a standardized model of care delivery for SCI in western countries such as Canada, a scoping review of the literature was performed to identify and summarize existing international SCI models of care delivery. Four databases were searched using key words and subject headings for concepts such as: "spinal cord injury," "delivery of healthcare," "model of care," "patient care planning," and "care pathway." Title, abstract, and full text review were competed by two independent reviewers. A combined total of 46 peer-reviewed and gray literature articles were included. No single SCI model of care has been adopted across different countries internationally. However, optimal attributes of models of care were identified, including the importance of having multidisciplinary SCI specialty care providers along the continuum, provision of rural SCI services and outreach, integration of primary care, peer mentoring, and using a hub and spokes model of care. These findings inform the future development of an SCI model of care, which ideally would serve all geographical locations and span the continuum of care, improving the health status and quality of life of persons with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chester Ho
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kayla Atchison
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vanessa K Noonan
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole McKenzie
- Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lauren Cadel
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Ganshorn
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanna Marie B Rivera
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Charlene Yousefi
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sara J T Guilcher
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Henzel MK, Shultz JM, Dyson‐Hudson TA, Svircev JN, DiMarco AF, Gater DR. Initial assessment and management of respiratory infections in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders in the COVID-19 era. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:1404-1412. [PMID: 33392545 PMCID: PMC7771758 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, emergency department (ED) personnel will face a higher caseload, including those with special medical needs such as persons living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Individuals with SCI/D who develop COVID-19 are at higher risk for rapid decompensation and development of acute respiratory failure during respiratory infections due to the combination of chronic respiratory muscle paralysis and autonomic dysregulation causing neurogenic restrictive/obstructive lung disease and chronic immune dysfunction. Often, acute respiratory infections will lead to significant mucus production in individuals with SCI/D, and aggressive secretion management is an important component of successful medical treatment. Secretion management techniques include nebulized bronchodilators, chest percussion/drainage techniques, manually assisted coughing techniques, nasotracheal suctioning, and mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. ED professionals, including respiratory therapists, should be familiar with the significant comorbidities associated with SCI/D and the customized secretion management procedures and techniques required for optimal medical management and prevention of respiratory failure. Importantly, protocols should also be implemented to minimize potential COVID-19 spread during aerosol-generating procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Kristi Henzel
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders ServiceLouis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical CenterClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOhioUSA
| | - James M. Shultz
- Center for Disaster & Extreme Event Preparedness (DEEP Center)Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of MedicineMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Trevor A. Dyson‐Hudson
- Center for Spinal Cord Injury ResearchKessler FoundationWest OrangeNew JerseyUSA
- Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury SystemKessler FoundationWest OrangeNew JerseyUSA
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationRutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolWest OrangeNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jelena N. Svircev
- Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care SystemSpinal Cord Injury ServiceSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Anthony F. DiMarco
- Department of Physical Medicine & RehabilitationCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- MetroHealth Medical CenterPulmonary, Sleep Medicine and Critical Care MedicineClevelandOhioUSA
| | - David R. Gater
- Department of Physical Medicine & RehabilitationUniversity of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of MedicineMiamiFloridaUSA
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation CenterMiami Project to Cure Paralysis and Jackson Health SystemMiamiFloridaUSA
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13
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Lee J, Varghese J, Brooks R, Turpen BJ. A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Accessibility After Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2020; 26:79-84. [PMID: 32760185 DOI: 10.46292/sci2602-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) continue to have shorter life expectancies, limited ability to receive basic health care, and unmet care needs when compared to the general population. Primary preventive health care services remain underutilized, contributing to an increased risk of secondary complications. Three broad themes have been identified that limit primary care providers (PCPs) in providing good quality care: physical barriers; attitudes, knowledge, and expertise; and systemic barriers. Making significant physical alterations in every primary care clinic is not realistic, but solutions such as seeking out community partnerships that offer accessibility or transportation and scheduling appointments around an individual's needs can mitigate some access issues. Resources that improve provider and staff disability literacy and communication skills should be emphasized. PCPs should also seek out easily accessible practice tools (SCI-specific toolkit, manuals, modules, quick reference guides, and other educational materials) to address any knowledge gaps. From a systemic perspective, it is important to recognize community SCI resources and develop collaboration between primary, secondary, and tertiary care services that can benefit SCI patients. Providers can address some of these barriers that lead to inequitable health care practices and in turn provide good quality, patient-centered care for such vulnerable groups. This article serves to assist PCPs in identifying the challenges of providing equitable care to SCI individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lee
- The Centre for Family Medicine, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.,McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jithin Varghese
- The Centre for Family Medicine, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.,McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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