Research progress from the SCI Model Systems (SCIMS): An interactive discussion on future directions

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1314879 · Published: March 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to life-long disability and significant costs. Better care and research are needed, which led to the SCI Model System (SCIMS) program, initiated in 1972. The 2016 conference used research from SCIMS centers as a starting point for discussing future directions in SCI research. The goal was to describe the symposium's development, research presented, and summarize discussions and directions. The steering committee reviewed discussion points on future research directions and made recommendations in five thematic areas: demographics/measurement, functional training, psychosocial considerations, assistive technology, and secondary conditions.

Study Duration

5 years (data collection 1972-2014)

Participants

30,881 participants in the database from 1972–2014, over 100 attending participants

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Changes in demographic characteristics of persons with recent onset SCI over the five decades of the National SCI Model Systems database operations were reported, including increases in motor incomplete injuries and age-specific single/never married status.
2
Environmental factors significantly influence the health status, employment, and participation of persons with SCI, highlighting the need for studies describing how environments shape the experience of disability.
3
Education-based interventions can improve psychosocial outcomes like self-efficacy, wellness, quality of life, and employment; however, demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of these approaches is crucial.

Research Summary

The SCI Model Systems (SCIMS) programs funded by NIDILRR provided abstracts describing findings from current research projects during the 2011 to 2016 cycle. Group discussion followed presentations in 5 thematic areas: Demographics and Measurement; Functional Training; Psychosocial Considerations; Assistive Technology; and Secondary Conditions. Significant areas in need of research in SCI remain, the goal of which is continued improvement in the quality of life of individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Rehabilitation Strategies

Understanding factors influencing responsiveness to training will maximize rehabilitation outcomes and allow training to be directed toward the most appropriate goals.

Targeted Interventions

Identifying individuals at risk of developing secondary conditions may allow for early intervention and prophylaxis, especially given shorter rehabilitation stays.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Exploring low-cost interventions like smartphone applications and web group training can improve outcomes, particularly for individuals in rural and low socioeconomic areas.

Study Limitations

1
The paper does not represent a systematic review nor a comprehensive survey.
2
The specific areas of discussion were influenced by SCIMS funding priorities and the composition of the steering committee.
3
Significant areas of research were omitted, including neural regeneration, biomedical, and pediatrics.

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