Community participation for individuals with spinal cord injury living in Queensland, Australia.

STUDY DESIGN: Sequential mixed method design. OBJECTIVES: Determine factors associated with community participation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Queensland, Australia. METHODS: Phase I consisted of a quantitative telephone survey of 270 people who had sustained a SCI within the past 50 years. To verify and interpret survey findings, Phase II involved a qualitative investigation. One focus group, one dyadic and one in-depth interview were conducted with a separate sample of eight people who had sustained a SCI within the past 50 years. RESULTS: In Phase I, employment, paid or unpaid, was the strongest independent factor associated with community participation, whereas time since injury, completeness of injury, secondary conditions and functional independence were also independently associated. In Phase II, participants expressed that survey findings were consistent with their lived experiences. They explained that overall, they needed a strong reason to participate so that benefits outweigh the effort required to participate. Once out in the community, they recognised that other opportunities for participation arise. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation services need to support individuals with SCI to find meaningful employment and to engage in activities that provide them with a strong reason to participate.

Response of Eucalyptus largiflorens to floodplain salinisation.

An analysis of the stable isotopes from the tree rings of Eucalyptus largiflorens on the Chowilla Floodplain was undertaken. This chronology of tree water use responses was compared to the known hydrological changes that have occurred due to the effects of river regulation. The isotope chronology indicates that E. largiflorens has always oscillated between groundwater and rain-derived soil water and river regulation has apparently had little effect on tree water sources over time. This result is surprising, but no doubt reflects the complexity of floodplain processes and interactions between trees, water and the landscape.

Bridging the gap: transitional rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To review the current international rehabilitation and healthcare climate and describe a new model of service delivery aimed at enhancing the continuity of care for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHOD: An extensive literature review was undertaken and a new model of service delivery conceptualized and implemented in the Australian context of SCI rehabilitation. RESULTS: This new model of service delivery aims to improve the rehabilitation continuum for people with SCI by reducing the time spent in hospital, increasing consumer control over the rehabilitation environment and enhancing community re-integration. The new model recognizes the changing nature of the healthcare system, the legislative frameworks within which rehabilitation services are provided and the increasing role of the consumer. CONCLUSIONS: Models of rehabilitation that address the need for shorter periods of hospitalization and attempt to improve client outcomes are integral to ensure sustainable rehabilitation services in the future.