Design of an mHealth application for winter mobility for mobility device users.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the strategies, resources, and tools shown to improve winter mobility and community participation. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes a multifaceted approach taken to develop an mHealth application that provides information, resources, and strategies to facilitate winter mobility for mobility device users, service providers, community organisations, and researchers. METHODS: The study was conducted in three phases: (1) A scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was completed to identify literature that reported on tools, strategies, resources, and recommendations used to promote winter mobility; (2) Online asynchronous focus groups were conducted to identify the type of content that mobility device users wanted to include in the web-based application; and (3) A prototype mHealth application was developed based on the findings from the previous phases. Using a rapid prototyping process that included stakeholder review through an online survey, four cycles of application design and development were undertaken. RESULTS: The scoping review identified 23 peer-reviewed studies and limited grey literature on winter mobility strategies, resources and recommendations. Twenty-four participants from across Canada engaged in one of five focus groups. Focus group analysis led to the development of the content categories for the mHealth application. The initial prototype application developed was reviewed by; 27 mobility device users, 16 health care providers, and seven consumer organisation representatives identified areas of strength and further refinement in regard to application design. CONCLUSIONS: The approach used in this study provided a method to develop an application based on the ideas, needs, and interests of a variety of stakeholders. Once fully developed, the application has the potential to fill the gaps related to the lack of a unified collection of winter mobility strategies and resources, and open the dialogue on methods to improve winter participation among mobility device users.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDespite winter conditions being a common challenge among mobility device users, there is an absence of an organised approach towards helping individuals manage their winter mobility needs.As the development and usage of mHealth applications continues to increase, it is valuable to use methods of designing applications based on the ideas, needs, and interests of a variety of stakeholders.Development of a framework for collating information on winter mobility strategies and resources is the first step towards launching an mHealth application.

Does severity of spinal cord injury predict likelihood of suffering chronically from severe depression and anxiety?

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative Survey study. OBJECTIVE: One might assume that those with higher and more complete spinal cord injuries are at higher risk of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to assess the association between level and severity of injury with the degree of anxiety and depression in chronic spinal cord injury. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. METHODS: 49 subjects were recruited from our research database. Time from injury ranged from 6 months to 20+ years. Sample included 23 motor complete and 26 motor incomplete participants; of these 24 were people with paraplegia, 25 were people with tetraplegia. They answered HADS, BDI-FS and PHQ-9 questionnaires. Participants were grouped based on time post injury and then were further divided by motor complete (AIS A/B) and incomplete (AIS C/D) and level (tetraplegia cf. paraplegia). Two-sample t-tests were conducted to evaluate the differences in depression and anxiety scores, between individuals with different completeness and injury type. RESULTS: There were no significant differences amongst the groups tested regarding severity of depression and anxiety, however, those with paraplegia or incomplete injuries had higher but not significantly higher average scores for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: We found there were no statistically significant differences in depression and anxiety scores among the groups. These results suggest that all people with SCI may be at similar risk of depression and anxiety, regardless of SCI severity and level.

Transanal irrigation bowel routine for people with Cauda Equina Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Neurologic bowel incontinence and dysfunction are common with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Peristeen Anal Irrigation System (PAIS)TM in people with CES. DESIGN: Clinical Trial. SETTING: Spinal Cord Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. METHODS: Twelve participants with a mean age of 46.2 years (range 34-72 years, 4 females) with CES used PAISTM bowel routine for 10 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score (NBD) over 10 weeks relative to baseline. Secondary outcomes: Change in St. Mark's Fecal Incontinence score (SMFI), Cleveland Clinic Constipation score (CCC), and modified Rectal Surgeons Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score (QOL) at week 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 compared to baseline, and self-rating of bowel function at baseline and 10 weeks. Additionally, colonic transit times were assessed using the radioactive markers (Sitzmarks) method. RESULTS: Ten participants completed the study. Post-intervention primary outcome NBD score improved (p < 0.01). Secondary outcomes also improved significantly, including SMFI (p < 0.01), CCC (p < 0.01), QOL (p < 0.01), self-rating of bowel function (p < 0.01), and transit time improved by 22% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, a significant improvement was observed with the PAISTM for both primary, as well as secondary outcome measures, without any significant adverse effects. As this non-pharmaceutical method of bowel management is effective and has the potential to improve symptoms of bowel dysfunction in people with CES, it should be considered for those in which traditional methods of managing neurogenic bowel fail.

Outreach physiatry clinics in remote Manitoba communities: an economic cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: One in 5 people in Canada have a disability affecting daily activities, and, for rural patients, accessing lifelong physiatry care to improve function and manage symptoms requires complex and expensive travel. We compared the costs of new outreach physiatry clinics with those of conventional urban clinics in Manitoba. METHODS: Six outreach clinics were held from January 2018 to September 2019 in the remote communities of St. Theresa Point and Churchill, Manitoba. A general physiatry population was seen in these clinics, including patients with musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions seen in consultation and follow-up. We performed a societal cost-minimization analysis comparing outreach clinic costs to estimated costs of standard care at conventional outpatient clinics in Winnipeg. Outcomes of interest included direct costs to government health services and patients, and indirect opportunity cost of travel time. We calculated total costs, average cost per clinic visit and incremental costs for outreach clinics compared to conventional urban clinics. Costs were inflated to 2020 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (48 visits) were seen at the outreach clinics. The total cost of providing outreach clinics, $33 136, was 21% of the estimated cost of standard care, $158 344. When only direct costs were included, outreach clinics cost an estimated 24% of conventional care costs. The average unit cost per outreach visit was $690, compared to $3299 per conventional visit, for an incremental cost of -$2609 per outreach visit. INTERPRETATION: An outreach physiatry visit in Manitoba cost an estimated 21% of a conventional urban outpatient visit, or 24% when only direct costs were included, with costs savings largely related to travel. Outreach physiatry care in this model provides substantial cost savings for the public health care system as the primary payer, and can reduce the travel cost burden for patients who do not have public travel funding.

Inside the lived perspective of life after spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of the desire to live and not live, including with assisted dying.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine whether individuals with a SCI would have considered Medical-Assistance-in-Dying (MAiD) following their SCI and whether these individuals felt they would have been able to make an informed decision about this potentially permanent option early in their experience. SETTING: Manitoba, Canada. METHODS: Participants with varying neurological levels of SCI and classification were included. The time since SCI ranged from <6 months to >50 years. A focus group of five individuals was conducted first to calibrate questions. Twenty-three participants were then individually interviewed. Participants' responses were transcribed and coded into themes. RESULTS: Half of the participants reported having suicidal ideation within the first 2 years of experiencing a SCI. However, no participants thought that they would have been able to make an informed decision about MAiD during this time. Most participants reported that they were able to adapt and reframe their lives to alter their views. There was higher agreement that MAiD should be available for individuals who had experienced a reframed, informed view. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that people with SCI do not feel that informed decision making about ending their life can be made early after SCI despite high levels of reported suicidal ideation in that early time frame. A reframing process helps to facilitate informed decisions about living with a SCI. The reframing process is correlated with opportunities of rehabilitation, peer mentor support, and re-integration into the community.

Pharmacological Management of Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Clinical Implications.

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a common problem for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS), which seriously impacts quality of life. Pharmacological management is an important component of conservative bowel management. The objective of this study was to first assemble a list of pharmacological agents (medications and medicated suppositories) used in current practice. Second, we systematically examined the current literature on pharmacological agents to manage neurogenic bowel dysfunction of individuals specifically with SCI or MS. We searched Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up to June 2020. We used the GRADE System to provide a systematic approach for evaluating the evidence. Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. We found a stark discrepancy between the large number of agents currently prescribed and a very limited amount of literature. While there was a small amount of literature in SCI, there was little to no literature available for MS. There was low-quality evidence supporting rectal medications, which are a key component of conservative bowel care in SCI. Based on the findings of the literature and the clinical experience of the authors, we have provided clinical insights on proposed treatments and medications in the form of three case study examples on patients with SCI or MS.

Factors Associated with Recovery in Motor Strength, Walking Ability, and Bowel and Bladder Function after Traumatic Cauda Equina Injury.

Traumatic cauda equina injury (TCEI) is usually caused by spine injury at or below L1 and can result in motor and/or sensory impairments and/or neurogenic bowel and bladder. We examined factors associated with recovery in motor strength, walking ability, and bowel and bladder function to aid in prognosis and establishing rehabilitation goals. The analysis cohort was comprised of persons with acute TCEI enrolled in the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry. Multi-variable regression analysis was used to determine predictors for lower-extremity motor score (LEMS) at discharge, walking ability at discharge as assessed by the walking subscores of either the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) or Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), and improvement in bowel and bladder function as assessed by FIM-relevant subscores. Age, sex, neurological level and severity of injury, time from injury to surgery, rehabilitation onset, and length of stay were examined as potential confounders. The cohort included 214 participants. Median improvement in LEMS was 4 points. Fifty-two percent of participants were able to walk, and >20% recovered bowel and bladder function by rehabilitation discharge. Multi-variable analyses revealed that shorter time from injury to rehabilitation admission (onset) was a significant predictor for both improvement in walking ability and bowel function. Longer rehabilitation stay and being an older female were associated with improved bladder function. Our results suggest that persons with TCEI have a reasonable chance of recovery in walking ability and bowel and bladder function. This study provides important information for rehabilitation goals setting and communication with patients and their families regarding prognosis.

Consensus-based recommendations for titrating cannabinoids and tapering opioids for chronic pain control.

AIMS: Opioid misuse and overuse have contributed to a widespread overdose crisis and many patients and physicians are considering medical cannabis to support opioid tapering and chronic pain control. Using a five-step modified Delphi process, we aimed to develop consensus-based recommendations on: 1) when and how to safely initiate and titrate cannabinoids in the presence of opioids, 2) when and how to safely taper opioids in the presence of cannabinoids and 3) how to monitor patients and evaluate outcomes when treating with opioids and cannabinoids. RESULTS: In patients with chronic pain taking opioids not reaching treatment goals, there was consensus that cannabinoids may be considered for patients experiencing or displaying opioid-related complications, despite psychological or physical interventions. There was consensus observed to initiate with a cannabidiol (CBD)-predominant oral extract in the daytime and consider adding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When adding THC, start with 0.5-3 mg, and increase by 1-2 mg once or twice weekly up to 30-40 mg/day. Initiate opioid tapering when the patient reports a minor/major improvement in function, seeks less as-needed medication to control pain and/or the cannabis dose has been optimised. The opioid tapering schedule may be 5%-10% of the morphine equivalent dose (MED) every 1 to 4 weeks. Clinical success could be defined by an improvement in function/quality of life, a ≥30% reduction in pain intensity, a ≥25% reduction in opioid dose, a reduction in opioid dose to <90 mg MED and/or reduction in opioid-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This five-stage modified Delphi process led to the development of consensus-based recommendations surrounding the safe introduction and titration of cannabinoids in concert with tapering opioids.

In-Hospital Mortality for the Elderly with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

As the incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) in the elderly rises, clinicians are increasingly faced with difficult discussions regarding aggressiveness of management, likelihood of recovery, and survival. Our objective was to outline risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality in elderly surgical and non-surgical patients following tSCI and to determine those unlikely to have a favorable outcome. Data from elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age) in the Canadian Rick Hansen SCI Registry from 2004 to 2017 were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Survival and mortality groups in each of the surgical and non-surgical group were compared to explore factors associated with in-hospital mortality and their impact, using logistical regression. Of 1340 elderly patients, 1018 had surgical data with 826 having had surgery. In the surgical group, the median time to death post-injury was 30 days with 75% dying within 50 days compared with 7 days and 20 days, respectively, in the non-surgical group. Significant predictors for in-hospital mortality following surgery are age, comorbidities, neurological injury severity (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale [AIS]), and ventilation status. The odds of dying 50 days post-surgery are six times higher for patients ≥77 years of age versus those 65-76 years of age, five times higher for those with AIS A versus those with AIS B/C/D, and seven times higher for those who are ventilator dependent. An expected probability of dying within 50 days post-surgery was determined using these results. In-hospital mortality in the elderly after tSCI is high. The trend with age and time to death and the significant predictors of mortality identified in this study can be used to inform clinical decision making and discussions with patients and their families.

Winter Mobility and Community Participation Among People Who Use Mobility Devices: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the knowledge, products, and strategies for individuals with mobility-related disabilities used to address challenging winter conditions. DATA SOURCES: AgeLine, OVID, Scopus, and CIHAHL were searched for studies that met the inclusion criteria, from inception to April 2018. Sources for gray literature, or information outside commercial publishing, included ProQUEST, government websites, and manufacturers, vendors, and consumer organization websites. SOURCE SELECTION: Population of people with limited or reduced mobility or mobility device users involved in winter-related environmental conditions; aim was to increase activity, participation, or safety. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select eligible sources. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from each source. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-three published peer-reviewed papers were located. Study populations were predominantly those who used wheelchairs (mixed wheelchair type, n=7; power, n=4; manual, n=2), canes (n=3), or specialized winter footwear (n=2). The primary focus of these papers was determined to be tool or device (n=10), recommendations (n=9), strategy (n=2), or resource (n=2). Civic policy documents were variable in citizen responsibility for snow clearing. Limited winter-related supports were identified on consumer organization websites. Although some winter-specific products exist, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of any of these products. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the common experience of challenging winter conditions, a paucity of winter-specific research and innovation relevant for individuals who use mobility devices exists. Researchers, consumers, and industry need to partner to develop novel tools, strategies, resources, and evidence-based recommendations.

Conception and development of Urinary Tract Infection indicators to advance the quality of spinal cord injury rehabilitation: SCI-High Project.

Context: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most frequent secondary health condition following spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) that adversely impact overall health and quality of life, and often result in rehabilitation service interruptions, emergency department visits, and urinary sepsis. Methods: Experts in Urohealth and/or UTI recognition and management and the SCI-High Project Team used a combination of evidence synthesis and consensus methods for developing the UTI indicators. A systematic search and a Driver diagram analysis were applied to identify key factors influencing UTI. This Driver diagram guided the UTI Working Group when defining the construct, specifying the aim for the UTI SCI/D quality indicators, and developing the UTI diagnostic checklist and fever definition. Results: The structure indicator was the proportion of patients with a health care professional (i.e. family physician or urologist) able to follow-up with the patient regarding urine culture and sensitivity results within 48-72 h of collection. The Working Group knowingly adopted a single checklist for UTI diagnosis, recognizing the stark contrast in the complexity of diagnosis in acute versus community settings. The process indicator is the proportion of SCI/D rehabilitation inpatients with UTI as defined by the UTI diagnostic checklist. The outcome indicator is the proportion of SCI/D rehabilitation inpatients with inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Conclusion: UTI can be diagnosed using the developed symptoms and signs checklist. These structure, process, and outcome quality indicators will ultimately reduce inappropriate antibiotic therapy for UTI and the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance among community-dwelling individuals with chronic SCI/D.

Therapeutic impact of orally administered cannabinoid oil extracts in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis.

There is a growing surge of investigative research involving the beneficial use of cannabinoids as novel interventional alternatives for multiple sclerosis (MS) and associated neuropathic pain (NPP). Using an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model of MS, we demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of two cannabinoid oil extract formulations (10:10 & 1:20 - tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol) treatment. Our research findings confirm that cannabinoid treatment produces significant improvements in neurological disability scoring and behavioral assessments of NPP that directly result from their ability to reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production and enhance brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production. Henceforth, this research represents a critical step in advancing the literature by scientifically validating the merit for medical cannabinoid use and sets the foundation for future clinical trials.

Facilitators and Barriers for Implementing an Internet Clinic for the Treatment of Pressure Injuries.

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a frequent, often preventable, secondary complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) with serious consequences to health, societal participation, and quality of life. Specialized knowledge and service delivery related to treatment and prevention are typically located within major health centers.Introduction: For persons with SCI living at home, it can be challenging to access specialized PI care. A telehealth approach could help mitigate this challenge. This multisite pilot investigation assessed the feasibility of integrating information technologies within the management of PIs.Materials and Methods: Each study site formed a specialized interdisciplinary care team that identified components of their standard clinical care pathway and examined how they could be integrated with study technologies. A monitoring system was utilized to enable patients and caregivers to exchange clinical information with the care team.Results: Clinician and patient focus groups were completed to identify facilitators and barriers for long-term implementation. Findings demonstrate that this method of service delivery is feasible but requires further development.Discussion: This model of care requires refinement to address technological, regulatory, and clinician acceptance barriers; however, increased access to these services has the potential for improving PI healing or prevention rates in comparison with those not able to access specialized services.Conclusions: This project demonstrates that PI treatment services can be delivered effectively through the internet. Future trials can investigate efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this model of care to inform sustained implementation.

A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial assessing the effect of tadalafil (Cialis) on the cardiovascular response in men with complete spinal cord injury above the sixth thoracic level: A Pilot Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized cross-over placebo-controlled pilot study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of tadalafil on systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and dizziness of men with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale-A (AIS-A) spinal cord injury (SCI) between cervical-4 (C4) and thoracic-5 (T5) levels. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized cross-over placebo-controlled pilot study. METHODS: 20 males with AIS-A SCI, C4-T5 received either tadalafil 20 mg or placebo for the first arm, and then were crossed-over after 1 week to the second arm. SBP, HR, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for dizziness upon sitting up from lying were measured at baseline and again 1, 2, 4, 12, 22, 29, and 36 h post dose administration. The change in each outcome measure (SBP, HR, VAS dizziness) was observed from pre-dose to each time point. A change in VAS dizziness of 2 cm or greater (scale 0-10 cm) was considered positive. RESULTS: SBP did not change significantly in either group. However, HR increased significantly in the tadalafil group at several time points (12 h p < 0.05, 22 h p <0.05, 29 h p <0.01, and 36 h p <0.05), with no change in the placebo group. The VAS dizziness significantly increased (range 2-6 cm changes) at some time point in 1/4 of the subjects after tadalafil, but not in the placebo group; all reports of dizziness were at 12 h or later. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil use in people with SCI above T6 is safe with respect to not causing hypotension; hemodynamic changes that occurred 12-36 h post administration were compensated for by elevations in HR. SPONSORSHIP: The Manitoba Medical Services Foundation and the Health Sciences Centre Foundation.

A pilot randomized-controlled trial of the urodynamic efficacy of mirabegron for patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of mirabegron in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Canadian patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS) with urinary symptoms and incontinence were recruited. Patients were randomized to mirabegron 25 mg (or an identical placebo) for 2 weeks at which point a dose escalation to mirabegron 50 mg (or an identical placebo) was maintained for 8 weeks. Urodynamics were performed before and after treatment. The primary outcome measure was maximum cystometric capacity (MCC). Intention to treat analysis and ANCOVA models (with adjustment for baseline values) were used and marginal means (MM) are reported; P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixteen (9 SCI and 7 MS) patients were randomized to mirabegron and 16 (10 SCI and 6 MS) to placebo. At study completion, there was no significant difference in MCC between mirabegron and placebo (MM 305 vs 369 mL, P = 0.20). There was no significant difference in volume at first neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO, MM 167 vs 137 mL, P = 0.14) and peak pressure of NDO (MM 69 vs 82 cmH2 O, P = 0.25). There was no significant difference in pad weights or voiding diary parameters. There was a significantly lower symptom burden among those treated with mirabegron (total neurogenic bladder symptom score MM 29 vs 34, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with SCI or MS, we demonstrated non-significant trends towards improvement in some urodynamic parameters with mirabegron 50 mg compared to placebo, and a significantly lower neurogenic bladder symptom burden.

A Delphi-Based Consensus Statement on the Management of Anticoagulated Patients With Botulinum Toxin for Limb Spasticity.

OBJECTIVE: To create a consensus statement on the considerations for treatment of anticoagulated patients with botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) intramuscular injections for limb spasticity. DESIGN: We used the Delphi method. SETTING: A multiquestion electronic survey. PARTICIPANTS: Canadian physicians (N=39) who use BoNTA injections for spasticity management in their practice. INTERVENTIONS: After the survey was sent, there were e-mail discussions to facilitate an understanding of the issues underlying the responses. Consensus for each question was reached when agreement level was ≥75%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: When injecting BoNTA in anticoagulated patients: (1) BoNTA injections should not be withheld regardless of muscles injected; (2) a 25G or smaller size needle should be used when injecting into the deep leg compartment muscles; (3) international normalized ratio (INR) level should be ≤3.5 when injecting the deep leg compartment muscles; (4) if there are clinical concerns such as history of a fluctuating INR, recent bleeding, excessive or new bruising, then an INR value on the day of injection with point-of-care testing or within the preceding 2-3 days should be taken into consideration when injecting deep compartment muscles; (5) the concern regarding bleeding when using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) should be the same as with warfarin (when INR is in the therapeutic range); (6) the dose and scheduling of DOACs should not be altered for the purpose of minimizing the risk of bleeding prior to BoNTA injections. CONCLUSIONS: These consensus statements provide a framework for physicians to consider when injecting BoNTA for spasticity in anticoagulated patients. These consensus statements are not strict guidelines or decision-making steps, but rather an effort to generate common understanding in the absence of evidence in the literature.

Health Conditions: Effect on Function, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Life Satisfaction After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. A Prospective Observational Registry Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze relations among injury, demographic, and environmental factors on function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and life satisfaction in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Prospective observational registry cohort study. SETTING: Specialized acute and rehabilitation SCI centers. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=340) from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR) who were prospectively recruited from 2004 to 2014 were included. The model cohort participants were 79.1% men, with a mean age of 41.6±17.3 years. Of the participants, 34.7% were motor/sensory complete (ASIA Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A). INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Path analysis was used to determine relations among SCI severity (AIS grade and anatomic level [cervical/thoracolumbar]), age at injury, education, number of health conditions, functional independence (FIM motor score), HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [Version 2] Physical Component Score [PCS] and Mental Component Score [MCS]), and life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction-11 [LiSat-11]). Model fit was assessed using recommended published indices. RESULTS: Goodness of fit of the model was supported by all indices, indicating the model results closely matched the RHSCIR data. Higher age, higher severity injuries, cervical injuries, and more health conditions negatively affected FIM motor score, whereas employment had a positive effect. Higher age, less education, more severe injuries (AIS grades A-C), and more health conditions negatively correlated with PCS (worse physical health). More health conditions were negatively correlated with a lower MCS (worse mental health), however were positively associated with reduced function. Being married and having higher function positively affected Lisat-11, but more health conditions had a negative effect. CONCLUSIONS: Complex interactions and enduring effects of health conditions after SCI have a negative effect on function, HRQoL, and life satisfaction. Modeling relations among these types of concepts will inform clinicians how to positively effect outcomes after SCI (eg, development of screening tools and protocols for managing individuals with traumatic SCI who have multiple health conditions).

Predicting rehabilitation length of stay in Canada: It's not just about impairment.

INTRODUCTION: Current tertiary Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) rehabilitation funding and rehabilitation length of stay (R-LOS) in most North American jurisdictions are linked to an individual's impairment. Our objectives were to: 1) describe the impact of relevant demographic, impairment and medical complexity variables at rehabilitation admission on R-LOS among adult Canadians with traumatic SCI; and 2) identify factors which extend R-LOS. METHODS: Data from 1,376 adults with traumatic SCI were obtained via chart abstraction and administrative data linkage from 15 Rick Hansen SCI Registry sites (2004-2014). Variables included age, sex, neurological impairment (level, severity), rehabilitation onset days, R-LOS, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) at admission, prior ventilation or endotracheal tube (Vent/ETT), or indwelling bladder catheter at acute discharge, pain interference score, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and lower extremity motor scores (LEMS) at rehabilitation admission. Variables related to R-LOS in bivariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis to determine their impact on R-LOS. RESULTS: Prior Vent/ETT tube, indwelling bladder catheter, GCS, LEMS, and neurological impairment were related to R-LOS in bivariate analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses identified five variables as significant predictors: age, Vent/ETT for >24 hours in acute care, indwelling bladder catheter at acute discharge, LEMS, and NLI/AIS subgroup at rehabilitation admission explained 32% of the variation in R-LOS (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the enclosed formula, and knowledge of an individual's age at injury, spinal cord impairment (level and severity), prior Vent/ETT, presence of an indwelling bladder catheter, and LEMS at admission, administrators and clinicians may readily identify patients for whom an extended R-LOS beyond conventional LOS targets is likely.