Transforming a Traumatic Brain Injury Measure of Participation Into a Psychometrically Sound Spinal Cord Injury Participation Measure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective (PART-O) in spinal cord injury (SCI) and compare it with the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique-Short Form (CHART-SF). DESIGN: Follow-up survey of inception cohort. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI, rehabilitated at 2 large SCI Model Systems and enrolled in the SCI Model Systems National Database, who were due for routine follow-up (N=468; median age at injury, 29; median time post injury, 5 years). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PART-O and CHART-SF. RESULTS: Use of Rasch analysis identified an SCI-specific scoring of PART-O that demonstrated unidimensionality (first contrast eigenvalue of 1.76) with no misfitting items or disordered steps in any response categories. Person separation and reliability were 2.00 and .80, respectively. Unlike CHART-SF, PART-O had a relatively normal distribution with no floor or ceiling effects. Test-retest reliability PART-O administered 2-4 weeks apart was 0.97, with a reliable change index of 3.1 points on a 100-point scale. PART-O correlated 0.79 with the sum of 3 CHART-SF domains with similar content. The PART-O scoring was initially validated on a second data set. CONCLUSIONS: PART-O can be used successfully to measure participation in a population of people with SCI. A new method of scoring PART-O in SCI provides an initially validated, univariate interval measure of participation with good psychometric properties that has advantages over the CHART-SF legacy measure of participation.

Effects of Peer Mentoring on Self-Efficacy and Hospital Readmission After Inpatient Rehabilitation of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intensive peer mentoring on patient-reported outcomes of self-efficacy and unplanned hospital readmissions for persons with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) within the first 6 months after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Nonprofit inpatient rehabilitation hospital specializing in care of persons with SCI/D and brain injury. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=158) admitted to the SCI/D rehabilitation program whose discharge location was a community setting. Participants (51% with paraplegia and 49% with tetraplegia) were 73% white and 77% men, with a mean age of 38 years. INTERVENTIONS: Participants in the experimental group received initial consult/introduction with a peer support program liaison and were assigned a peer mentor, who met with the participant weekly throughout the inpatient stay and made weekly contact by phone, e-mail, or in person for 90 days postdischarge. Participants also were encouraged to participate in regularly scheduled peer support activities. Nonexperimental group participants were introduced to peer support and provided services only on request. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: General Self-efficacy Scale (adapted to SCI/D), project-developed community integration self-efficacy scale, and patient-reported unplanned rehospitalizations. RESULTS: Growth rate for self-efficacy in the first 6 months postdischarge was significantly higher for experimental group participants than nonexperimental group participants. Experimental group participants also had significantly fewer unplanned hospital days. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that individuals receiving intensive peer mentoring during and after rehabilitation for SCI/D demonstrate greater gains in self-efficacy over time and have fewer days of unplanned rehospitalization in the first 180 days postdischarge. More research is needed to examine the long-term effects of this intervention on health care utilization and the relation between improved health and patient-reported quality of life outcomes.

Patterns in Wheeled Mobility Skills Training, Equipment Evaluation, and Utilization: Findings from the SCIRehab Project.

Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) participate in manual and power wheelchair (WC) skills training during inpatient rehabilitation; wheeled mobility evaluations aim to optimize use, fit, and function of equipment following discharge. Occupational and physical therapists documented treatment sessions during inpatient rehabilitation to describe types and quantity of WC skills training and adaptive equipment (AE) provided by neurological level of injury. Most patients participated in WC skills training; variation in type and frequency exists. Propulsion/driving skills were practiced most frequently. A majority of patients participated in equipment evaluations; assessment/prescription and fitting were performed frequently; mat evaluations were done infrequently. Most patients received mobility equipment in a timely manner; they continued to use their WC and were satisfied with its fit and function at the one-year injury anniversary. High levels of respondent satisfaction with fit and function of WCs suggest clinicians are prescribing mobility devices adequately and accurately supplementing information obtained during equipment assessment and fitting sessions with information from general treatment sessions. Variation in type and frequency of WC training provided by level of SCI and in types of WC prescribed use provides a foundation for future research to relate treatment modalities with functional and participation outcomes.

SCIRehab uses practice-based evidence methodology to associate patient and treatment characteristics with outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the application of practice-based evidence (PBE) methodology to spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in the SCIRehab study, and to summarize associations of patient characteristics and treatment interventions to outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Six SCI rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with traumatic SCI (N=1376) admitted for first rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: FIM and residence at discharge, and FIM, residence, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique, work/school status, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale, rehospitalization, and presence of pressure ulcers at 1 year postinjury. RESULTS: Patient demographic and injury characteristics explained significant variation in rehabilitation outcomes, particularly functional outcomes. Regression modeling also identified a large number of significant associations with outcomes when total time in each discipline was modeled and when models were developed for each discipline, examining time spent in the many specific interventions provided by each discipline. CONCLUSIONS: The application of PBE methodology in the SCIRehab study provided extensive information about the process of inpatient SCI rehabilitation. While patient demographic and injury characteristics explain substantial variation in rehabilitation outcomes, particularly functional outcomes, significant relations also were found between the type and quantity of treatment interventions delivered by each rehabilitation discipline and a broad range of outcomes.

CER, PBE, SCIRehab, NIDRR, and other important abbreviations.

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has been receiving much attention (and government funding) in recent years, stemming from dissatisfaction with much medical and health care research, which does not produce actionable evidence that can be used by clinicians, patients, and policymakers. Rehabilitation research has been characterized by similar weaknesses and by often inadequate research designs. The SCIRehab study of the outcomes of inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation is one of a small number of rehabilitation practice-based evidence (PBE) studies in recent years that allows for the comparison of interventions by all disciplines for relevant real-life outcomes. This introduction to a series of articles resulting from the SCIRehab project discusses the need for and the nature of CER, and places the SCIRehab study and other PBE studies in the light of CER. After a description of the highlights of the analyses in this supplement, we provide a preliminary evaluation of SCIRehab, counting the articles and presentations from the study, the resources that went into this vast project, and the lessons learned that may benefit future rehabilitation PBE investigators.

Relation between inpatient and postdischarge services and outcomes 1 year postinjury in people with traumatic spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between inpatient and postdischarge rehabilitation services and function, life satisfaction, and community participation 1 year after spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Prospective, observational. SETTING: Six rehabilitation facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with SCI (N=1376). INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), motor FIM (mFIM), and return to work/school at 1 year post-SCI. RESULTS: Demographic and injury characteristics explained 49% of the variance in mFIM and 9% to 25% of the variance in SWLS and CHART social integration, mobility, and occupation scores. Inpatient rehabilitation services explained an additional 2% of the variance for mFIM and 1% to 3% of the variance for SWLS and CHART scores. More time in inpatient physical therapy (PT) was associated with higher mFIM scores; more time in inpatient therapeutic recreation (TR) and social work and more postdischarge nursing (NSG) were associated with lower mFIM scores. More inpatient PT and TR and more postdischarge PT were associated with higher mobility scores; more inpatient psychology (PSY) was associated with lower mobility scores. More postdischarge TR was associated with higher SWLS; more postdischarge PSY services was associated with lower SWLS. Inpatient TR was positively associated with social integration scores; postdischarge PSY was negatively associated with social integration scores. More postdischarge vocational counseling was associated with higher occupation scores. Differences between centers did not explain additional variability in the outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient and postdischarge rehabilitation services are weakly associated with life satisfaction and societal participation 1 year after SCI. Further study of the type and intensity of postdischarge services, and the association with outcomes, is needed to ascertain the most effective use of therapy services after SCI.

Relationship of patient characteristics and rehabilitation services to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of patient characteristics along with treatment quantity delivered by seven clinical disciplines during inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation with outcomes at rehabilitation discharge and 1-year post-injury. METHODS: Six inpatient SCI rehabilitation centers enrolled 1376 patients during the 5-year SCIRehab study. Clinicians delivering standard care documented details of treatment. Outcome data were derived from SCI Model Systems Form I and II and a project-specific interview conducted at approximately 1-year post-injury. Regression modeling was used to predict outcomes; models were cross-validated by examining relative shrinkage of the original model R(2) using 75% of the dataset to the R(2) for the same outcome using a validation subsample. RESULTS: Patient characteristics are strong predictors of outcome; treatment duration adds slightly more predictive power. More time in physical therapy was associated positively with motor Functional Independence Measure at discharge and the 1-year anniversary, CHART Physical Independence, Social Integration, and Mobility dimensions, and smaller likelihood of rehospitalization after discharge and reporting of pressure ulcer at the interview. More time in therapeutic recreation also had multiple similar positive associations. Time spent in other disciplines had fewer and mixed relationships. Seven models validated well, two validated moderately well, and four validated poorly. CONCLUSION: Patient characteristics explain a large proportion of variation in multiple outcomes after inpatient rehabilitation. The total amount of treatment received during rehabilitation from each of seven disciplines explains little additional variance. Reasons for this and the phenomenon that sometimes more hours of service predict poorer outcome, need additional study. Note: This is the first of nine articles in the SCIRehab series.

Relationship of therapeutic recreation inpatient rehabilitation interventions and patient characteristics to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations of therapeutic recreation (TR) interventions during inpatient rehabilitation for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) with functional, participation, and quality of life outcomes. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, data were obtained from systematic recording of TR services by certified TR specialists, chart review, and patient interview. RESULTS: TR interventions, including exposure to community settings and leisure activities, add to the variance explained (in addition to the strong predictors of injury classification, admission motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and other patient characteristics) in outcomes at the time of rehabilitation discharge (FIM, discharge to home) and at the 1-year injury anniversary (FIM, working or being in school, residing at home, and societal participation as measured by the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART)). They also are associated with less rehospitalization and less pressure development after discharge. In addition, more time spent in specific TR activities during rehabilitation is associated with more participation in the same type of activities at the 1-year injury anniversary. CONCLUSION(S): Greater participation in TR-led leisure skill and community activities during rehabilitation is a positive predictor of multiple outcomes at rehabilitation discharge and the 1-year injury anniversary demonstrating that TR activities are associated with a return to a productive and healthy life after SCI. Further research should focus on the impact of TR on longer-term outcomes to determine whether relationships continue or change as persons continue to adapt to their life after SCI. Note: This is the fourth of nine articles in the SCIRehab series.

Relationship of speech-language pathology inpatient rehabilitation interventions and patient characteristics to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Describe associations of patient characteristics and speech-language pathology (SLP) interventions provided during impatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury (SCI) to outcomes at discharge and 1-year post-injury. METHODS: Speech-language pathologists at six inpatient rehabilitation centers documented details of treatment provided. Least squares regression modeling was used to predict outcomes at discharge and 1-year injury anniversary. Cognitive, participation, and mood outcomes for a subsample of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cognitive-communication limitations (CCLs) were examined. RESULTS: SLP treatment factors explain a small amount of variation in cognitive Functional Independence Measure (FIM), participation, and mood. Variation explained by treatment factors for cognitive outcomes at the time of discharge increased when the patient group was more homogeneous (patients with TBI and CCLs). More time in SLP cognitive-communication interventions had a negative relationship, while longer length of stay was positive. The added explanatory power was not seen for similar outcomes at 1-year post-injury. CONCLUSION: Patients with SCI who have the greatest need for interventions to address cognitive limitations due to TBI receive the most SLP cognitive-communication treatment and show the greatest amount of improvement during rehabilitation. Their cognitive functioning remained impaired at discharge; this likely accounts for the consistent finding that more hours of SLP cognitive-communication treatment is associated with lower cognitive FIM scores at discharge. Future research on individuals with dual SCI and TBI should include more comprehensive assessment of individual differences in cognitive performance in order to better examine the complex relationships between SLP treatments and outcomes. Note: This is the fifth of nine articles in this SCIRehab series.

Relationship of psychology inpatient rehabilitation services and patient characteristics to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of psychological interventions on rehabilitation outcomes, including residence and functional status at discharge, and residence, school attendance, or employment, and physical, social, occupational, and mobility aspects of participation 1 year after spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Six inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Inpatients with SCI 12 years of age and older. INTERVENTIONS: Usual rehabilitation care. OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional Independence Measure at rehabilitation discharge and 1-year injury anniversary; discharge destination and residence at 1-year anniversary; Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique, Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, employment or school attendance, rehospitalization, and occurrence of a pressure ulcer at 1-year anniversary. RESULTS: More time in psycho-educational interventions was associated with better function, discharge to home, home residence at 1 year, and the absence of pressure ulcers at 1 year. More psychotherapeutic sessions focusing on processing emotions and/or locus of control were associated with poorer function at discharge and 1 year, less physical independence and community mobility, lower satisfaction with life, and the presence of pressure sores at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological services are an important component of comprehensive medical rehabilitation and tailored to patient needs and readiness to benefit from rehabilitation. Services focused on remediating deficits tend to be associated with negative outcomes, while services intended to foster adjustment and growth tend to be associated with favorable outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal type and timing of psychological services during inpatient rehabilitation based on individuals' strengths and vulnerabilities. Note: This is the sixth in this third series of SCIRehab articles.

Outcomes of social work and case management services during inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation: the SCIRehab project.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations of social work/case management (SW/CM) services during inpatient rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI) and patient characteristics with outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort of individuals with SCI receiving inpatient rehabilitation. SETTING: Six inpatient rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: 1032 individuals with traumatic SCI. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Type of residence at the time of rehabilitation discharge. Employment/school status, presence of a pressure ulcer, Patient History Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART) subscales, and rehospitalization at 1-year post-injury. RESULTS: The intensity of specific SW/CM services is associated with multiple outcomes examined. More sessions dedicated to discharge planning for a home discharge and financial planning were associated positively with more discharge to home, while more sessions focused on planning for discharge to a location other than home, e.g. nursing home or long-term acute care facilities, have negative associations with societal participation outcomes (CHART Social Integration, Occupation, and Mobility scores) as well as with residing at home at the time of the 1-year injury anniversary. CONCLUSION(S): The intensity and type of SW/CM services are associated with outcomes at rehabilitation discharge and at 1-year post-injury. Discharge to home may require assistance from SW/CM in the area of discharge planning and financial planning, while discharge to non-home residence demands directed SW/CM services for such placement. Note: This is the eighth of nine articles of this SCIRehab series.

Relationship of nursing education and care management inpatient rehabilitation interventions and patient characteristics to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations of nursing bedside education and care management activities during inpatient rehabilitation with functional, participation, and quality-of-life outcomes for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: In a prospective observational study, data were obtained by means of systematic recording of nursing activities by registered nurses (RNs), chart review and patient interview. RESULTS: Greater patient participation in nursing activities is associated with better outcomes. More time spent by RNs in coordination with other members of the care team, consultants and specialists, along with participation in physician rounds (team process) is associated with patient report of higher life satisfaction and higher CHART mobility at the one-year injury anniversary; more time providing psychosocial support is associated with higher CHART mobility and occupation scores and with greater likelihood of working or being in school at the anniversary. More time spent providing education about specific care needs is associated with several outcomes but not as consistently as might be expected. CONCLUSION(S): Higher levels of patient participation in nursing care activities is associated with multiple better outcomes, and hence, nurses should promote active patient participation during all aspects of care and interactions between themselves and patients with SCI. Time spent providing psychosocial support of patients and their families should be evaluated to ensure that other necessary education or care management interventions are not minimized. Note: This is the seventh of nine articles in the SCIRehab series.

Relationship of physical therapy inpatient rehabilitation interventions and patient characteristics to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Examine associations of type and quantity of physical therapy (PT) interventions delivered during inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation and patient characteristics with outcomes at the time of discharge and at 1 year post-injury. METHODS: Physical therapists delivering routine care documented details of PT interventions provided. Regression modeling was used to predict outcomes at discharge and 1 year post-injury for a 75% subset; models were validated with the remaining 25%. Injury subgroups also were examined: motor complete low tetraplegia, motor complete paraplegia, and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) D motor incomplete tetra-/paraplegia. RESULTS: PT treatment variables explain more variation in three functionally homogeneous subgroups than in the total sample. Among patients with motor complete low tetraplegia, higher scores for the transfer component of the discharge motor Functional Independence Measure () are strongly associated with more time spent working on manual wheelchair skills. Being male is the most predictive variable for the motor FIM score at discharge for patients with motor complete paraplegia. Admission ASIA lower extremity motor score (LEMS) and change in LEMS were the factors most predictive for having the primary locomotion mode of "walk" or "both (walk and wheelchair)" on the discharge motor FIM for patients with AIS D injuries. CONCLUSION: Injury classification influences type and quantity of PT interventions during inpatient SCI rehabilitation and is a strong predictor of outcomes at discharge and 1 year post-injury. The impact of PT treatment increases when patient groupings become more homogeneous and outcomes become specific to the groupings. Note: This is the second of nine articles in the SCIRehab series.

Relationship of occupational therapy inpatient rehabilitation interventions and patient characteristics to outcomes following spinal cord injury: the SCIRehab project.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Describe associations of occupational therapy (OT) interventions delivered during inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation and patient characteristics with outcomes at the time of discharge and 1-year post-injury. METHODS: Occupational therapists at six inpatient rehabilitation centers documented detailed information about treatment provided. Least squares regression modeling was used to predict outcomes at discharge and 1-year injury anniversary for a 75% subset; models were validated with the remaining 25%. Functional outcomes for injury subgroups (motor complete low tetraplegia and motor complete paraplegia) also were examined. RESULTS: OT treatment variables explain a small amount of variation in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) outcomes for the full sample and significantly more in two functionally homogeneous subgroups. For patients with motor complete paraplegia, more time spent in clothing management and hygiene related to toileting was a strong predictor of higher scores on the lower body items of the self-care component of the discharge motor FIM. Among patients with motor complete low tetraplegia, higher scores for the FIM lower body self-care items were associated with more time spent on lower body dressing, manual wheelchair mobility training, and bathing training. Active patient participation during OT treatment sessions also was predictive of FIM and other outcomes. CONCLUSION: OT treatments add to explained variance (in addition to patient characteristics) for multiple outcomes. The impact of OT treatment on functional outcomes is more evident when examining more homogeneous patient groupings and outcomes specific to the groupings. Note: This is the third of nine articles in the SCIRehab series.

Inpatient and postdischarge rehabilitation services provided in the first year after spinal cord injury: findings from the SCIRehab Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the amount and type of therapy services received in inpatient and postdischarge settings during the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Prospective observational longitudinal cohort design. Data were obtained from systematic recording of interventions by clinicians and from patient interview. SETTING: Inpatient and postdischarge rehabilitation programs. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=493) with traumatic SCI admitted to 6 rehabilitation centers participating in the SCIRehab study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hours of therapy by physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, recreation therapy, psychology, social work/case management, and nursing education during initial inpatient rehabilitation and postdischarge up to the first anniversary of injury. Inpatient data were collected prospectively by the treating clinicians; postdischarge service data were collected by patient self-report during follow-up interviews. RESULTS: Of the total hours spent on these rehabilitation interventions during the first year after injury, 44% occurred after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Participants received 56% of their PT hours after discharge and 52% of their OT hours, but only a minority received any postdischarge services from other rehabilitation disciplines. While wide variation was found in the total hours of inpatient treatment across all disciplines, the variation in the total hours of postdischarge services was greater, with the interquartile range of postdischarge services being twice that of the inpatient services. CONCLUSIONS: SCI rehabilitation is often given in a care continuum, with inpatient rehabilitation being only the beginning. Reductions in inpatient SCI rehabilitation length of stay are well documented, but the postdischarge services that may replace some inpatient treatment appear to be greater than previously reported. The availability and impact of postdischarge care should be studied in greater detail to capture the wide array of postdischarge services and outcomes.

The SCIRehab project: treatment time spent in SCI rehabilitation. Therapeutic recreation treatment time during inpatient rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Following spinal cord injury (SCI), certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRSs) work with patients during rehabilitation to re-create leisure lifestyles. Although there is much literature available to describe the benefits of recreation, little has been written about the process of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation therapeutic recreation (TR) programs or the effectiveness of such programs. To delineate how TR time is used during inpatient rehabilitation for SCI. METHODS: Six rehabilitation centers enrolled 600 patients with traumatic SCI for an observational study. CTRSs documented time spent on each of a set of specific TR activities during each patient encounter. Patterns of time use are described, for all patients and by neurologic category. Ordinary least-squares stepwise regression models are used to identify patient and injury characteristics predictive of total treatment time (overall and average per week) and time spent in TR activities. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of patients enrolled in the SCIRehab study participated in TR. Patients received a mean total of 17.5 hours of TR; significant differences were seen in the amount of time spent in each activity among and within neurologic groups. The majority (76%) of patients participated in at least one structured therapeutic outing. Patient and injury characteristics explained little of the variation in time spent within activities. CONCLUSION: The large amount of variability seen in TR treatment time within and among injury group categories, which is not explained well by patient and injury characteristics, sets the stage for future analyses to associate treatments with outcomes.

The SCIRehab project: treatment time spent in SCI rehabilitation. Psychology treatment time during inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation psychologists are integral members of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation teams. OBJECTIVE: To describe specific information regarding types and intensity of treatments delivered by rehabilitation psychologists to patients with various levels of SCI. METHODS: Utilizing a taxonomy of psychological interventions as a framework, rehabilitation psychologists documented time spent on specific psychology interventions for each interaction they had with 600 patients with traumatic SCI at 6 inpatient SCI rehabilitation centers. Associations of patient and injury characteristics with time spent on various psychological interventions were examined using ordinary least squares stepwise regression models. RESULTS: Psychologists focus the majority of the time they spend with patients with SCI on psychotherapeutic interventions of processing emotions, emotional adjustment, and family coping, while educational efforts focus mostly on coping and adjusting to the new injury. There was wide variation in the amount of time spent on psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions; patient, injury, and clinician characteristics explained little of the variation in time spent. CONCLUSIONS: Variations observed in psychological treatment delivery mirror real-world human complexity and clinical experience; they are not explained well by patient and injury characteristics and set the stage for future analyses to associate treatments with outcomes.

The SCIRehab project: treatment time spent in SCI rehabilitation. Nursing bedside education and care management time during inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are an integral part of the spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation team and provide significant education to the patient and family about the intricacies of living with SCI, as well as help manage the care process. OBJECTIVE: This is the second in a series of reports by clinical nursing leaders involved in the SCIRehab research project, a multi-center, 5-year study to record and analyze details of SCI inpatient rehabilitation, with focus on descriptions of time spent by nurses on bedside education and care management. METHODS: Six hundred patients with traumatic SCI were enrolled at six rehabilitation centers. Nurses providing usual care to patients with SCI documented the content and amount of time spent on each bedside interaction using portable electronic devices with customized software or a newly developed customized page in electronic documentation systems; this included details of education or care management. Patient and injury characteristics, including level and nature of injury, were taken from the medical record. RESULTS: Nursing data for this report were derived from 42 048 shifts of nursing care. The mean total of nursing education and care management per patient was 30.6 hours (range 1.2-126.1, standard deviation (SD) 20.7, median 25.5). The mean number of minutes per week was 264.3 (range 33.2-1253, SD 140.9, median 241.9). The time that nurses spent on each activity was significantly different in each neurological injury group. Fifty percent of care management time was devoted to psychosocial support, while medication, skin care, bladder, bowel, and pain management were the main education topics. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses in SCI rehabilitation spend a significant amount of time providing education and psychosocial support to patients and their families. Typically, this is not included in traditional documentation systems. Quantification of these interventions will allow researchers to discern whether there are pertinent associations between the time spent on bedside activities and patient outcomes. The data will also be relevant for patient care planning and acuity staffing.

The SCIRehab project: social work and case management. Social work and case management treatment time during inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of published evidence regarding the amount and type of social work and case management (SW/CM) services that an individual with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) receives during acute inpatient rehabilitation. Such information is needed to assist in resource planning, benchmarking, and research on interventions and outcomes. METHODS: As part of the SCIRehab study social workers and case managers at six inpatient rehabilitation facilities documented details (including time spent) about the interventions provided to 600 patients with traumatic SCI during acute inpatient rehabilitation. Associations between patient and injury characteristics and time spent on these activities were examined. RESULTS: Patients received a mean total of 10 hours of SW/CM services, with a mean of 72.8 total minutes per week. The majority of the patients received SW/CM time spent on interdisciplinary conferencing on the patient's behalf (96%), discharge planning and services (89%), financial planning (67%), community/in-house services (66%), supportive counseling (56%), and initial assessment (54%). A minority of the patients received peer advocacy (12%), classes (24%), and education topics (30%). Total hours per stay and minutes per week varied by level of injury group. The most time per week was dedicated to patients with high tetraplegia ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A-C and the least to patients with C5-C8 AIS A-C. The patient and injury characteristics studied did not explain the variance seen in time spent on specific SW/CM services. CONCLUSIONS: These descriptive data may be helpful in resource planning to anticipate and address individual patient needs and to plan for department-level training and hiring. These data also may pave the way to studying relationships of interventions with patient outcomes.