Implementing Lived Experience Workshops in Regional Areas of British Columbia to Enhance Clinicians’ Confidence in Spinal Cord Injury Care: An Evaluation

This paper evaluates the impact of spinal cord injury health educational workshops delivered in regional communities, informed by persons with lived experience (PLEX). The goal was to improve clinicians’ knowledge and confidence in managing SCI health and to facilitate person-centered care. A community survey identified priority SCI health-related topics, such as bowel and bladder management and sexual health. Clinical perspectives were also collected, revealing that clinicians ranked these topics as lower priorities compared to the individuals with lived experience. Educational workshops, supported by lived experience perspectives, were effective in enhancing clinicians’ understanding of spinal cord injury and their priorities. Future plans include engaging more administrators and conducting workshops in other regions.

• 1
  PLEX community members identified aging with SCI, bowel function, and pain and inflammation as top priorities.
• 2
  Clinical team members identified spasticity, upper extremity function, and autonomic dysreflexia as top priorities.
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  There was a difference in the priorities from the perspectives of clinicians and the PLEX, providing an opportunity to create a shared understanding.