NON-ADHERENCE TO FOLLOW-UP CARE IN PERSONS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY WITHIN 10 YEARS AFTER INITIAL REHABILITATION

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for individuals with spinal cord injuries for monitoring health and preventing complications. However, many individuals fail to adhere to recommended care. This study examined non-adherence to follow-up appointments within 10 years post-injury and identified risk factors. The study underscores the importance of understanding barriers to receiving recommended care for persons with spinal cord injury. Identifying high-risk groups is crucial for developing strategies to improve adherence and enhance long-term outcomes in this population.

• 1
  36% of patients were adherent to annual follow-up appointments; 2% formally transferred to another SCI centre; 44% were non-adherent for general reasons (patient’s will to discontinue care [12%] or unknown reasons [32%]); and 18% were non-adherent due to death.
• 2
  Risk factors for non-adherence included older age, lack of long-term partner, and more than 2 h of travel time to the clinic.
• 3
  In the youngest age group (18–30 years), 55% were non-adherent after 10 years.