Prioritization of rehabilitation Domains for establishing spinal cord injury high performance indicators using a modification of the Hanlon method: SCI-High Project

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1616949 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to identify the most important areas of rehabilitation care for people with spinal cord injuries in Canada. A group of experts ranked different aspects of care based on how common they are, how serious they are, and how well current treatments work. The results will be used to create quality indicators to improve care for adults with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

17-member external advisory committee

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Eleven key domains of SCI rehabilitation care were prioritized, including cardiometabolic health, community participation and employment, and emotional well-being.
2
Sexual Health was ranked as a high priority despite a low feasibility score, highlighting its importance to stakeholders.
3
The Community Participation and Employment Domains were merged due to their interrelated nature.

Research Summary

This study used a modified Hanlon method to prioritize domains of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation care for adults with SCI/D in Canada. An external advisory committee ranked 15 rehabilitation domains based on clinical importance and feasibility. Eleven prioritized domains were identified to advance the quality of SCI-care by 2020, and will be used to develop structure, process, and outcome indicators.

Practical Implications

Development of Quality Indicators

The prioritized domains will be used to develop specific indicators to measure and improve the quality of SCI rehabilitation care.

Informing Healthcare Policy

The findings can inform healthcare policy and resource allocation to address the most critical needs of individuals with SCI/D.

Guiding Clinical Practice

The prioritized domains can guide clinical practice by focusing on the areas that have the greatest impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The methodology is subject to review and challenge by an alternate group of stakeholders at a later date.
2
EAC members were primarily from urban areas.
3
SCI-Care Domain selection was restricted to the 15 Domains where significant gaps between knowledge generation and clinical application were identified.

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