The journal of spinal cord medicine
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While as many as 60% of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) develop chronic pain, limited data currently exists on the prevalence and profile of pain post-SCI in community dwelling populations. ⋯ Pain, in particular NP post SCI interferes with daily life, increases health service utilisation and remains refractory to current management strategies. Increased availability of multi-disciplinary pain management and further research into management strategies is warranted.
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Multiple medical specialties are often involved in the management of patients with both spinal cord injuries (SCI) and pressure injuries (PIs), sometimes leading to inadequate communication. Our Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital has an interdisciplinary team for PI patients in the SCI unit. This team conducts monthly bedside rounds and journal clubs; there is no similar team for patients with PIs outside the SCI unit. This pilot study aims to determine whether such an interdisciplinary team improves care coordination among practitioners. ⋯ Interdisciplinary rounds in the SCI unit significantly improves RC in the care of PI patients.
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Describe an interdisciplinary spinal cord injury home care program (SCIHCP), sample demographics for the veteran participants, and initial impact of SCIHCP on health care utilization and mortality. ⋯ Inpatient and ED utilization did not change one year after enrollment, but more SCIHCP visits predicted more hospital admissions and lower likelihood of mortality in the post-evaluation year. The support, education, and care continuity SCIHCP generates might be related to increased inpatient access and lower mortality rate. Veterans with increased mental health comorbidities used inpatient services more, and might need additional support.