Model of Care for people with spinal cord injury: enhancing prevention of secondary health conditions, South Africa.
Sonti Pilusa, Joanne Potterton, Hellen Myezwa
Purpose:
This study developed a contextually appropriate model of care for preventing SHCs in people with SCI.
Methods:
We used a mixed methods approach that included three studies. A record review was conducted to establish the prevalence of SHCs. Semi-structured interviews with patients with SCI, caregivers and rehabilitation health professionals were conducted to explore the experiences of SHCs, prevention care; contextual factors influencing prevention and identify possible solutions. Focus group discussions were held with health care professionals and policymakers to identify strategies to strengthen prevention care.
Conclusion: Prevention care must be prioritised in SCI care. The proposed model of care can be used in clinical practice, research and policy advances SCI care.
Results:
We found that 94% of the participants with SCI had SHCs. The experience of SHCs revolved around the impact on health and well-being and preventing SHCs was not easy for patients with SCI. There were many contextual factors influencing prevention care. The proposed solutions to strengthen the prevention of SHCs included patient-centred care, strengthening rehabilitation care, health promotion through health education, capacity building for health professionals and improving access to adequate health care, assistive devices and medicines, The solutions were used to conceptualise the model of care.
Conclusion(s):
Conclusion: Prevention care must be prioritised in SCI care. The proposed model of care can be used in clinical practice, research and policy advances SCI care.
Implications:
The model encourages practice changes related to SCI care and prevention of secondary health conditions.
Funding acknowledgements:
National research Foundation (Thuthuka) and Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA)
Keywords:
secondary health conditions
people with spinal cord injury
prevention
Primary topic:
Disability and rehabilitation
Second topic:
Health promotion and wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
University of the Witwatersrand (M170938) and the University of Pretoria Research Ethic Committee (36/2018) approved the study.
Provide the ethics approval number:
M170938 and 36/2018
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
Yes
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