Development and Evaluation of the Korean Version of Hospital-Based Transitional Rehabilitation Program Using Daily Living Home for Spinal Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.21119 · Published: October 31, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study developed a Korean version of a hospital-based transitional rehabilitation program (TRP) for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The program used a daily living home (DLH) within the hospital to simulate real-life scenarios and provide practical training. The TRP aimed to improve the patients’ functioning and quality of life (QOL) and facilitate their successful discharge and social participation. The program included self-care training, home care, and social participation activities. The program involved a multidisciplinary team, including rehabilitation specialists, nurses, therapists, social workers, and peer mentors. The results showed improvements in functional independence, QOL, and goal attainment after the TRP.

Study Duration

21.8±3.9 days

Participants

Four chronic SCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure showed functional improvement at the end of TRP, when compared to that before the TRP (49.3±6.9 vs. 62.5±6.0; p<0.05).
2
The Korean version of the World Health Organization’s QOL scale, abbreviated version, showed improvement in QOL (159.8±36.6 vs. 239.8±36.1; p<0.05).
3
Goal attainment scaling showed a significant degree of achievement for the core goals through TRP (33.6±4.4 vs. 70.0±2.8; p<0.05).

Research Summary

This study developed and evaluated a Korean version of a hospital-based transitional rehabilitation program (TRP) for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, utilizing a daily living home (DLH) to simulate real-world environments. The TRP involved a multidisciplinary team and focused on improving patients’ functioning, quality of life (QOL), and facilitating their return to society through various activities and training. Results indicated significant improvements in functional independence, QOL, and goal attainment, with patients showing potential for successful discharge and social participation after completing the TRP.

Practical Implications

Improved Rehabilitation System

The study suggests that implementing a hospital-based TRP can enhance the rehabilitation process for SCI patients, leading to better functional outcomes and QOL.

Cost-Effective Approach

By reducing the length of hospital stays and promoting social participation, the TRP may contribute to decreased medical expenses and increased societal contributions from SCI patients.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach is highlighted, emphasizing the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals, peer mentors, and social support systems to provide comprehensive care for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size from a single institution.
2
TRP developed for lower cervical and thoracic SCI patients with relatively preserved upper limb function.
3
Limited long-term monitoring of patients after TRP completion.

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