Pediatric spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A protocol for an international multicenter project (SINpedSCI)

Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.3233/PRM-201518 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Pediatrics Public Health

Simple Explanation

This research project focuses on understanding and improving the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries across different countries. The study involves multiple rehabilitation centers in various countries, using both surveys and interviews to gather information. The goal is to identify similarities and differences in rehabilitation practices and to explore the psychosocial experiences of adolescents living with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

≥20 adolescents aged 13–17 years

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional, descriptive project

Key Findings

1
The project aims to describe and compare pediatric SCI rehabilitation units across different countries regarding various factors such as funding, services, and staff/patient ratio.
2
The study seeks to explore the psychosocial aspects of adolescents living with SCI, including their experiences with daily life, school, friends, and their physical and psychological health.
3
The project aims to provide new insight and knowledge on pediatric SCI rehabilitation and increase the understanding of pediatric SCI in adolescents and their families internationally.

Research Summary

This protocol outlines a cross-sectional, descriptive project using both quantitative and qualitative methods to study pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in ten rehabilitation units across seven countries. The quantitative study will describe and compare the characteristics of the participating units, while the qualitative study will explore the psychosocial aspects of living with SCI in adolescents. The project aims to gain insight into the delivery of pediatric SCI rehabilitation, prerequisites for services, and optimal specialized pediatric rehabilitation from the perspectives of both healthcare providers and adolescents with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Understanding

The study will enhance understanding of pediatric SCI rehabilitation models of care.

Optimized Services

Findings can be used to optimize services in each country and between units with different levels of experience.

Comprehensive Model of Care

Results can be significant when developing a comprehensive international model of care for rehabilitation of children and adolescents with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The low incidence of pediatric SCI can result in large regional and national differences in management.
2
Access to rehabilitation services is unevenly distributed between countries and continents.
3
There has been a lack of agreed quality indicators for pediatric SCI care.

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