www.elearnSCI.org: a global educational initiative of ISCoS.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a web-based educational resource for health professionals responsible for the management of spinal cord injury (SCI). The resource:www.elearnSCI.org is comprised of seven learning modules, each subdivided into various submodules. Six of the seven modules address the educational needs of all disciplines involved in comprehensive SCI management. The seventh module addresses prevention of SCI. Each submodule includes an overview, activities, self-assessment questions and references. DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESOURCE: Three hundred and thirty-two experts from The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) and various affiliated societies from 36 countries were involved in developing the resource through 28 subcommittees. The content of each submodule was reviewed and approved by the Education and Scientific Committees of ISCoS and finally by an Editorial Committee of 23 experts. KEY FEATURES: The content of the learning modules is relevant to students and to new as well as experienced SCI healthcare professionals. The content is applicable globally, has received consumer input and is available at no cost. The material is presented on a website underpinned by a sophisticated content-management system, which allows easy maintenance and ready update of all the content. The resource conforms to key principles of e-learning, including appropriateness of curriculum, engagement of learners, innovative approaches, effective learning, ease of use, inclusion, assessment, coherence, consistency, transparency, cost effectiveness and feedback. CONCLUSION: www.elearnSCI.org provides a cost effective way of training healthcare professionals that goes beyond the textbook and traditional face-to-face teaching.

The respiratory system in spinal cord injury.

Respiratory complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality during the acute and chronic phases after spinal cord injury (SCI). This article reviews the respiratory impairments resulting from SCI and discusses a range of management strategies to be considered from the acute care phase through long-term follow up. The treatment of specific complications and preventive measures are reviewed.

Neuromusculoskeletal syndromes in wheelchair athletes.

With the growth of wheelchair athletics at both grassroots and national levels, there has been an increased incidence of sports-related and overuse syndromes in the wheelchair-user population. This article provides an overview of the available literature on the incidence, prevalence, evaluation, prevention, and rehabilitative management of these types of clinical syndromes.