Effect of a computerized decision support system on the treatment approach of stage III or IV pressure injury in patients with spinal cord injury: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Stage III and IV pressure injuries (PIs) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) require complex interdisciplinary and interprofessional treatment approaches that are difficult to implement. Practical aspects, such as information exchange and coordination, remain challenging. We investigated whether a computerized decision support system (CDSS) could increase treatment adherence and improve clinical outcomes and interprofessional collaboration. METHOD: In this feasibility study, a core team developed the initial treatment process and adapted it based on several discussions with clinical experts and information technologists. The CDSS followed the Basel Decubitus Approach and was used in a clinic specializing in SCI. Thirty patients with SCI admitted for stage III/IV PI between July 2016 and May 2017 were randomly allocated to standard or CDSS-supported care. Between-group differences in treatment adherence, complication rates, length of stay, and costs were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The use of the CDSS and potential barriers and facilitators were evaluated through interprofessional focus groups, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed (30 participants). RESULTS: No differences in SCI characteristics, comorbidities, or PI characteristics (localization: ischium [number (n) = 19 PI, 63%], sacrum [n = 10 PI, 33%], recurrent PI [n = 21, 70%]) were found between the two groups. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were observed in treatment adherence, frequency of major (20% vs. 13% between CDSS and control group) and minor (33% vs 27%) complications, and length of stay (98 [±28] vs 81 [±23] days). Healthcare professionals found the CDSS to be helpful for visualizing the treatment process. However, the high workload and difficulties in the information technology processes, such as missing reminders, slow computer performance and data processing, and poor accessibility, hindered the effective implementation of the CDSS. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the CDSS to support the treatment of stage III/IV PI in patients with SCI was feasible and included definitions of milestones, interventions, and outcomes. However, to assess the impact of the CDSS, a longer observation period is required. Further, the technical difficulties must be addressed, and solid integration of the CDSS into the clinical information system is necessary. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This quality improvement project received a declaration of no objection from the Ethics Committee of Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ UBE-16/003), and ethical approval was received for the focus groups (EKNZ Req-2017-00860).

A Rasch-Based Comparison of the Functional Independence Measure and Spinal Cord Independence Measure for Outcome and Quality in the Rehabilitation of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: The Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) and spinal cord injury (SCI)-specific Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) are commonly used tools for outcome measurement and quality reporting in rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of FIM™ and SCIM and to equate the 2 scales. METHODS: First, content equivalence of FIM™ and SCIM was established through qualitative linking with the International Classification for Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Secondly, a Rasch analysis of overlapping contents determined the metric properties of the scales and provided the empirical basis for scale equating. Furthermore, a transformation table for FIM™ and SCIM was created and evaluated. SUBJECTS: Patients with SCI in Swiss inpatient rehabilitation in 2017-18. RESULTS: The ICF linking and a separate Rasch analysis of FIM™ restricted the analysis to the motor scales of FIM™ and SCIM. The Rasch analysis of these scales showed good metric properties. The co-calibration of FIM™ and SCIM motor scores was supported with good fit to the Rasch model. The operational range of SCIM is larger than for FIM™ motor scale. DISCUSSION: This study supports the advantage of using SCIM compared with FIM™ for assessing the functional independence of patients with SCI in rehabilitation.

Inception cohort of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI): Design, participant characteristics, response rates and non-response.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a methodological reference paper for the inception cohort of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI), by detailing its methodological features and reporting on participant characteristics, response rates and non-response bias. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study starting in 2013 in all 4 specialized rehabilitation centres in Switzerland. SUBJECTS: Included are 655 newly diagnosed first rehabilitation patients aged ≥16 years with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI, NTSCI). METHODS: Descriptive statistics were used to depict participant characteristics and to compare characteristics of responders and non-responders. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate non-response bias. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 69% males, with mean age 53.5 years, 57.9% TSCI, 60.7% paraplegia and 78.8% incomplete SCI. Males and younger persons more often sustained TSCI and more severe SCI, resulting in longer duration of rehabilitation. Complete lesions were more prevalent in TSCI compared to NTSCI. The response rate was 47.5% and study participation was less likely in females, older persons, persons with lower functional independence and those with NTSCI. CONCLUSION: SwiSCI inception cohort data enable the estimation of epidemiological figures of SCI in Switzerland, and prognostic and trajectory modelling of outcomes after SCI to guide policy, service provision and clinical practice.

The Nottwil Standard-Development and Implementation of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Based Clinical Standard Assessment for Post-acute Rehabilitation After Newly Acquired Spinal Cord Injury.

Introduction: Assessments during rehabilitation of spinal cord injury (SCI) align with the World Health Organization's classifications and national quality requirements. This paper aims to report on the development and first implementation experiences of an institutional standard of assessments performed after newly acquired SCI. Setting: Specialized SCI acute care and post-acute rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland. Methods: A situation analysis of an interdisciplinary post-acute SCI rehabilitation program was performed. The results informed a subsequent consensus-based selection of assessments, and an information and implementation strategy. Linking to the ICF Core Set for SCI in post-acute settings and ICF Generic-30 Set was performed. The Nottwil Standard was piloted for 18 months. Results: Situation analysis: A battery of 41 assessments were irregularly performed during initial rehabilitation after newly aquired SCI. Selection of assessments: A multidisciplinary group of clinicians agreed on 10 examinations, 23 assessments and two questionnaires that make up the Nottwil Standard. In total, 55 ICF categories are covered, including most of the ICF Generic-30 Set categories. The implementation strategy included Executive Board commitment, a structured improvement project, guidelines for documentation and assessments, a manual controlling system, and staff training on the Nottwil Standard. Pilot phase: 54 persons with paraplegia and 42 with tetraplegia (75 male; 21 female) were included. Twenty-seven assessments out of 33 assessments were performed in more than 80% of all observed patients' rehabilitation. Conclusion: Implementation of a standard assessment schedule was feasible but required a well-structured process with good communication strategy and controlling mechanism, and full engagement of involved professions.

[Personal Factors of the Bio-Psycho-Social Model (WHO): A Revised Classification by the German Society for Social Medicine and Prevention (DGSMP)]. / Personbezogene Faktoren im bio-psycho-sozialen Modell der WHO: Systematik der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Sozialmedizin und Prävention (DGSMP).

BACKGROUND: In 2010, the ICF working group of Faculty II "Applied Social Medicine and Rehabilitation" of the German Society for Social Medicine and Prevention, DGSMP proposed a classification of personal factors (PF) for the German-speaking area. Meanwhile, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and WHO's bio-psycho-social model were increasingly integrated into the German Social Code (Book IX for Rehabilitation and Participation). It was a legislative decision that the needs assessment for the rehabilitation process must be "comprehensive". AIM: This publication aims to present an updated classification of PF to support the socio-medical assessment. For this purpose other published papers proposing a classification of PF were analyzed, especially the publication of Geyh et al. METHODS: The multiprofessional working group re-examined the basic structure, consistency and selection of factors of the 2010 classification using a qualitative approach and modified them if meaningful and necessary. The principles for the selection of factors were the same as in the 2010 publication (comprehensive, manageable, universal, impartial, relevant, unambiguous, focusing on finality, not regarding causality and non-discriminatory). RESULTS: A fundamental revision was not necessary; the basic structure remained primarily unchanged. Some items were included, excluded, summarized, shifted and editorially or content-related altered. Legal expertise shows that the classification of PF and their individual use for the socio-medical assessment, if necessary for the individual rehabilitation allocation, incur no problems with regard to data-protection regulations. PERSPECTIVES: The revised classification is ready to support users to describe and document relevant influences of the life background of individuals in a structured manner. Thus, influences on functioning and participation can be described comprehensively and transparently based on the bio-psycho-social model. A justiciable allocation of benefits for persons with disabilities is facilitated.

Correction: Treatment and cost of pressure injury stage III or IV in four patients with spinal cord injury: the Basel Decubitus Concept.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/s41394-019-0173-0.].

Treatment and cost of pressure injury stage III or IV in four patients with spinal cord injury: the Basel Decubitus Concept.

Study design: Retrospective chart analyses as part of a quality improvement project. Objectives: To demonstrate treatment of pressure injury (PI) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and analyse costs using the "modified Basel Decubitus Concept". Setting: Inpatient setting of a specialised acute care and rehabilitation clinic for SCI. Methods: Complex treatment courses of four patients with chronic SCI and PI stage III or IV were described and costs were recorded. The total healthcare services' costs per patient and different profession's involvement were analysed in relation to patient characteristics, treatment phases and milestones demonstrated. Results: The treatment of PI stage III and IV in patients with SCI included input from plastic surgery, rehabilitation medicine, nursing and other involved professions. Recommended interventions were chosen according to the "modified Basel Decubitus Concept". The cost course of PI treatment in patients with SCI depicted the multimodal treatment concept, including three clinically and financially relevant milestones (debridement, flap surgery and mobilisation to wheelchair) as well as the highest costs in the functionally highly dependent patient. Acute care and rehabilitation overlapped with different intensities during the whole treatment process. Conclusion: Multimodal treatment concepts connecting acute and rehabilitation care were applied in these complex health conditions. Cost-explication models including treatment phases and milestones helped to understand resources more easily and integrate aspects of process-based management and quality of care. Scientific evidence is needed to create a recommended quality standard in line with adequate financing of this health condition.

Excess burden of a chronic disabling condition: life lost due to traumatic spinal cord injury in a Swiss population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate excess mortality and life years lost in a Swiss cohort of individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). METHODS: This study uses population-based data collected in the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort (SwiSCI) study, which covers all specialized rehabilitation centres. Flexible parametric survival models were used to model life years remaining (LYR), potential years life lost (PYLL), relative survival and excess hazard ratios. RESULTS: Men and women with TSCI and an attained age of 30 were estimated to have 42 LYR (95% CI = 37.9-45.5) and 43 LYR (95% CI = 40.1-45.5), respectively; this equates to a life expectancy (LE) of 80.6 and 76.9% of that of the Swiss general population. With respect to lesion level and completeness, persons with incomplete paraplegia had 45.1 LYR at an attained age of 30, whereas individuals with complete tetraplegia only had 28.7 LYR. This pattern was similar for PYLL. CONCLUSIONS: The extended LE following TSCI, even for the most severe lesions, underscores the need for sustained follow-up to support functioning and health for individuals ageing with SCI.

Comparison of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality of Persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries to the General Swiss Population: Results from a National Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) are a neurological condition associated with reduced well-being, increased morbidity and reductions in life expectancy. Estimates of all-cause and cause-specific mortality can aid in identifying targets for prevention and management of contributors for premature mortality. OBJECTIVES: To compare all-cause and cause-specific rates of mortality to that of the Swiss general population; to identify differentials in risk of cause-specific mortality according to lesion characteristics. METHODS: All-cause and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using data from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury cohort study. Cause-specific subhazard ratios were estimated within a competing risk framework using flexible parametric survival models. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2011, 2,492 persons sustained a TSCI, of which 379 died. Persons with TSCI had a mortality rate more than 2 times higher than that of the Swiss general population (SMR 2.32; 95% CI 2.10-2.56). Tetraplegic lesions were associated with an increased risk of mortality due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, infections, and accidents. Cause-specific SMRs were notably elevated for SCI-related conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and septicemia. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated SMRs due to cardiovascular disease, UTIs and septicemia-related mortality suggest the need for innovation when managing associated secondary health conditions.

Differential survival after traumatic spinal cord injury: evidence from a multi-center longitudinal cohort study in Switzerland.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To understand differentials in the force of mortality with increasing time since injury according to key spinal cord injury (SCI) characteristics. SETTING: Specialized rehabilitation centers within Switzerland. METHODS: Data from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury (SwiSCI) cohort study were used to model mortality in relation to age, sex, and lesion characteristics. Hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted survival curves were estimated using flexible parametric survival models of time since discharge from first rehabilitation to death or 30 September 2011, whichever came first. RESULTS: 2 421 persons were included that incurred a new TSCI between 1990 and 2011, contributing a total time-at-risk of 19,604 person-years and 376 deaths. Controlling for attained age, sex, decade, and etiology, there was more than a four-fold higher risk of mortality for complete tetraplegia compared to incomplete paraplegia (HR = 4.27; 95% CI 2.72 to 6.69). Survival estimates differed according to SCI characteristics, with differentials steadily increasing with time since injury. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of disparities in mortality and survival outcomes according to SCI characteristics that increases with increasing time since injury. These results lend support to the hypothesis of a progressive and disproportionate accumulation of allostatic load according to SCI characteristics. Future research should investigate cause-specific mortality for insight into potentially modifiable secondary health conditions contributing to these disparities.

Describing Functioning in People Living With Spinal Cord Injury in Switzerland: A Graphical Modeling Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To describe functioning in people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Switzerland. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data. SETTING: Community, Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=1549) 16 years of age or older with a history of traumatic or nontraumatic SCI and permanently residing in Switzerland. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functioning was operationalized through 4 domains: (1) impairments in body functions; (2) impairments in mental functions; (3) independence in performing activities; and (4) performance problems in participation. RESULTS: Univariate analysis indicated a high prevalence of problems in 5 areas: (1) housework; (2) climbing stairs; (3) tiredness; (4) spasticity; and (5) chronic pain. Graphical modeling showed a strong association among the four domains of functioning. Moreover, we found that the differences in the dependence structures were significant between the paraplegia SCI population and the tetraplegia SCI population. CONCLUSIONS: This study is a first study in the epidemiology of functioning of people living with SCI in Switzerland. Using univariate and graphical modeling approaches, we proposed an empirical foundation for developing hypotheses on functioning in each domain and category that could inform health systems on people's health needs.

Strengthening quality of care through standardized reporting based on the World Health Organization's reference classifications.

QUALITY ISSUE: Responding to person's health and related needs requires the availability of health information that reflects relevant aspects of a health condition and how this health condition impacts on a person's daily life. INITIAL ASSESSMENT: Health information is routinely collected at different time points by diverse professionals, in different settings for various purposes with varying methods. Consequently, health information is not always comparable, posing a challenge to the regular monitoring of quality. CHOICE OF SOLUTION: The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI; under development) are complementary and serve as meaningful reference classifications for comparing data on persons' health and related interventions across health systems. IMPLEMENTATION: We developed a systematic approach of translating routinely collected information into a standardized report based on the three WHO reference classifications and the Rehab-Cycle®. Subsequently, we have demonstrated its application using five random case records of individuals attending a rehabilitation program. EVALUATION: All identified concepts were able to be linked to WHO's reference classifications. The ICF served as a tool to standardize information on rehabilitation goals and their achievement. The ICHI served as the basis for reporting the interventions that were documented in the case records, including the intervention targets that were derived from the ICF codes. LESSONS LEARNED: Our experience shows that, it is possible to translate routinely collected information into standardized reports by linking existing narrative records with WHO's reference classifications.

ICF Core Set for vocational rehabilitation: results of an international consensus conference.

PURPOSE: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs aim to facilitate work participation. However, there is no universal framework to describe the functioning of individuals who participate in VR. The objective of this paper is to report on the Core Set for VR based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus-based process was conducted based on the evidence from four preparatory studies. Twenty-three international experts chosen by WHO Region and expertise in VR attended the consensus conference. RESULTS: Ninety ICF categories were included in the comprehensive Core Set (activities and participation = 40, environmental factors = 33, body functions = 17), while the brief Core Set included 13 second-level categories (activities and participation = 6, environmental factors = 4, body functions = 3). CONCLUSIONS: The expert opinion and evidence-based Core Set could serve as an international standard for what to measure and report concerning functioning of individuals in VR. The Core Set could also provide a common language among clinicians, researchers, insurers, and policymakers in the implementation of successful VR. Further testing and validation studies are encouraged.

Introduction to special section: advancing the field of vocational rehabilitation with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

BACKGROUND: Work disability is a major burden to individuals and the society. To mitigate this burden, vocational rehabilitation has been at the forefront of facilitating work participation. With the complexity of vocational rehabilitation, we need a unifying framework to capture the essential domains of functioning. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) could serve as the common reference and language. The purpose of this special section is to demonstrate the use and benefits of the ICF to stakeholders and advocates of vocational rehabilitation. METHODS: The project on the ICF Core Set for vocational rehabilitation was conducted in collaboration with national and international organizations. The project consisted of three sequential phases: (1) four development studies, (2) international consensus conference, and (3) testing and validation of the ICF Core Set. RESULTS: In the first article, a conceptual definition of vocational rehabilitation based on the ICF is proposed. Findings from the first phase of the project are presented in the following four articles. Our findings reflected a wide range of factors that could influence success (or failure) in vocational rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: This special section has presented five articles in an effort to advance our understanding and measurement of vocational rehabilitation process and outcomes. This special section also illustrates the complexity of the contents of vocational rehabilitation and offers the vocational rehabilitation community the added value of integrating the ICF in practice and research.

Identification of relevant ICF categories in vocational rehabilitation: a cross sectional study evaluating the clinical perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) emphasizes a need for medical support, rehabilitation and biopsychosocial approach to enable individuals to successfully participate in the workforce. Optimal rehabilitation management relies on an in-depth knowledge of the typical spectrum of problems encountered of patients in VR. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is based on a universal conceptual model and provides a holistic view of functioning of the lived experience of people such as those undergoing VR. The objectives of this study are to describe the functioning and health of persons undergoing VR and to identify the most common problems around work and in VR using the ICF as the reference framework. METHODS: An empirical cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted using convenience sampling from March 2009 to March 2010. Data were collected using a Case Record Form rated by health professionals which was based on an extended version of the ICF Checklist containing 292 ICF categories and sociodemographic information. RESULTS: 152 patients with various health conditions participated. We identified categories from all four ICF components: 24 for body functions, six for body structures, 45 for activities and participation, and 25 for environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified a multitude of ICF categories that describe functioning domains and which represent the complexity of VR. Such a comprehensive approach in assessing patients in VR may help to understand and customize the process of VR in the clinical setting and to enhance multidisciplinary communication.

Developing a Core Set to describe functioning in vocational rehabilitation using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF).

INTRODUCTION: The consequences of accidents, injuries, and health conditions that prevent workers from engaging in employment are prevailing issues in the area of work disability. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs aim to facilitate return-to-work process but there is no universal description of functioning for patients who participate in VR. Our objective is to develop a Core Set for VR based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF). An ICF Core Set is a short list of ICF categories with alphanumeric codes relevant to a health condition or a health-related event. METHODS: Development process consists of three phases. First is the preparatory phase which consists of four parallel studies: (1) systematic review of the literature, (2) worldwide survey of experts, (3) cross-sectional study, and (4) focus group interview. Patients with various health conditions are to be recruited from five VR centers located in Switzerland and Germany. The second phase is a consensus conference where findings from the preparatory phase will be presented followed by a multi-stage consensus process to determine the ICF categories that will comprise the Core Set for VR. The final phase consists of validation studies in several health conditions and settings. CONCLUSIONS: We expect the first version of the ICF Core Set for VR to be completed in 2010. The Core Set can serve as a guide in the evaluation of patients and in planning appropriate intervention within VR programs. This Core Set could also provide a standard and common language among clinicians, researchers, insurers, and policymakers in the implementation of successful VR.