Development of a comprehensive assessment tool to measure the quality of care for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00569-3 · Published: March 20, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to create a tool for evaluating the quality of care (QoC) for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI). The tool is designed to identify weaknesses in the healthcare system. The tool includes indicators across the entire care continuum: pre-hospital, in-hospital, and post-hospital. This comprehensive approach helps to assess the QoC from initial injury to long-term management. The development process involved gathering expert opinions, reviewing existing literature, and ensuring the tool's practicality for data collection. The tool was evaluated by experts for comprehensiveness.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Experts in SCI management (n=12 for conceptualization, n=11 for operationalization)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study identified 94 concepts for QoC through a scoping review and qualitative interviews with experts.
2
After operationalization and validation, the assessment tool consists of 27 indicators. These indicators cover pre-hospital, in-hospital, and post-hospital phases of care.
3
Experts evaluated the final tool as comprehensive, indicating its potential for assessing the QoC for individuals with TSCI.

Research Summary

The study developed a comprehensive assessment tool for evaluating the quality of care (QoC) for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI). The tool incorporates indicators across the continuum of care (pre-hospital, in-hospital, and post-hospital) and addresses domains such as timeliness, safety, and patient-centeredness. The development process involved expert input, literature review, and validation to ensure the tool's relevance, clarity, and comprehensiveness. The tool is intended to identify areas for improvement in TSCI care.

Practical Implications

Improved Quality Assessment

The assessment tool provides a structured method for evaluating the quality of care for individuals with TSCI.

Targeted Interventions

By identifying vulnerabilities in the system, the tool can guide the planning and implementation of evidence-based interventions.

Informed Decision-Making

The tool can be used as a guide for decision-making and creating health policies related to TSCI care.

Study Limitations

1
The relatively low response rate from invited experts during indicator selection may introduce bias.
2
The predominance of surgical experts and the lack of involvement of nurses and patients in the expert panel may limit the tool's perspective.
3
Data availability, accuracy, and completeness across different care facilities may pose challenges to the tool's implementation.

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