A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Preventive Health After Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: Provide guidance for preventive health and health maintenance after spinal cord injury (SCI) for primary care providers (PCPs). Main message: Individuals with SCI may not receive the same preventive health care as the general population. Additionally, SCI-related secondary conditions may put their health at risk. SCI is considered a complex condition associated with many barriers to receiving quality primary care. Attention to routine preventive care and the unique health considerations of persons with SCI can improve health and quality of life and may prevent unnecessary health care utilization. Conclusion: PCPs are experts in preventive care and continuity of care, however individuals with SCI may not receive the same preventive care due to numerous barriers. This article serves as a quick reference for PCPs.

Advancing primary and community care for persons with spinal cord injury: Key findings from a Canadian summit.

Context: Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience significant challenges when they access primary care and community services.Design: A provincial summit was held to direct research, education, and innovation for primary and community care for SCI.Setting: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Participants: Key stakeholders (N = 95) including persons with SCI and caregivers, clinicians from primary care, rehabilitation, and specialized care, researchers, advocacy groups, and policy makers.Methods: A one-day facilitated meeting that included guest speakers, panel discussions and small group discussions was held to generate potential solutions to current issues related to SCI care and to foster collaborative relationships to advance care for SCI. Perspectives on SCI management were shared by primary care, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, and members of the SCI communityOutcome Measures: Discussions were focused on five domains: knowledge translation and dissemination, application of best practices, communication, research, and patient service accessibility.Results: Summit participants identified issues and prioritized solutions to improve primary and community care including the creation of a network of key stakeholders to enable knowledge creation and dissemination; an online repository of SCI resources, integrated health records, and a clinical network for SCI care; development and implementation of strategies to improve care transitions across sectors; implementation of effective care models and improved access to services; and utilization of empowerment frameworks to support self-management.Conclusions: This summit identified priorities for further collaborative efforts to advance SCI primary and community care and will inform the development of a provincial SCI strategy aimed at improving the system of care for SCI.