Trajectories of Rehabilitation across Complex Environments (TRaCE): design and baseline characteristics for a prospective cohort study on spinal cord injury and acquired brain injury

BMC Health Services Research, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4564-5 · Published: September 26, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study, Trajectories of Rehabilitation across Complex Environments (TRaCE), aims to understand how people with acquired disabilities access healthcare after leaving the hospital. The study combines different types of data, including health service records, survey responses about well-being, location data, and interviews, to get a full picture of healthcare access. Ultimately, TRaCE seeks to improve the healthcare system and provide better support for people with acquired disabilities.

Study Duration

12 months

Participants

165 inpatients with acquired brain injury (ABI) and spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Prospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
The study will describe patterns of health service use and unmet needs in the 12 months post-discharge.
2
TRaCE will examine the spatial distribution of available specialist and mainstream health services.
3
The research aims to identify injury, personal, social, and spatial determinants of health service use.

Research Summary

The TRaCE study is designed to understand healthcare access for individuals with ABI and SCI after discharge from specialist rehabilitation. It uses a combination of data linkage, surveys, spatial analysis, and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive view of service use, wellbeing, and accessibility. The study aims to identify high and low-risk groups to inform targeted interventions and improve the healthcare system for people with acquired disabilities.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

The study can lead to more targeted interventions to improve healthcare systems.

Service Planning

Findings can inform service planning and system-level responses for rehabilitation populations.

Improved Support

The research can contribute to better support for individuals with acquired disabilities in the long-term.

Study Limitations

1
Sample size was determined pragmatically rather than by an a priori power calculation.
2
The qualitative component was restricted to participants within 150kms of the specialist rehabilitation units.
3
Not specified

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