Healthcare service utilization patterns and patient experience in persons with spinal cord injury: a comparison across 22 countries

This study examines the experiences of people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) across 22 countries regarding their healthcare service usage. It explores whether primary-care oriented healthcare systems provide a better patient experience compared to other models. The study found diverse patterns of healthcare utilization, ranging from primary care to specialized and inpatient to outpatient services. Patient experience varied across countries, but no single utilization pattern consistently led to better experiences. The research suggests that factors other than service utilization, such as contextual elements, likely influence patient experience. These findings highlight the complexity of healthcare delivery for individuals with chronic SCI.

• 1
  Primary care physicians (18%) and rehabilitation physicians (16%) were the most frequently visited healthcare providers.
• 2
  Nine distinct healthcare service utilization clusters were identified across the 22 countries, reflecting varied approaches to SCI care.
• 3
  Specific healthcare providers, such as physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians and dentists, were associated with higher patient experience scores, while nurses/midwives, psychologists, alternative medicine specialists, and homecare workers were associated with lower scores.