Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) were provided access to two newly developed computer-based educational programs as their intervention. One multimedia and web-based computer program (Rehabilitation Learning Center - RLC) focused on medical care of secondary conditions. The other program (Accessing Your World) featured information on resources for increasing participation in family and community activities. The MPS, EBFL, FIM, demographic questions and physical status surveys were administered by interviewers in the homes of individuals with SCI prior to and following the computer based educational experiences. Digital cameras were used to capture the in-home environments as a means for verification of information provided in the surveys. The pre- and post- survey results will be compared to assess the influence, if any, of the exposure to the educational software. The goal of the study is to provide an assessment battery that will allow physicians, therapists, and people with Spinal Cord Injury, an outcome metric that extends assessment of participation in activities that extend beyond hospital and rehabilitation settings to home, community, school, work, and recreational sites.
Learning Objectives: 1. To describe various characteristics of participation in major life activities by people with SCI. 2. To identify specific facilitators and barriers in the environment affecting participation in major life activities by individuals with SCI. 3. To ascertain the effectiveness of computer-based education on the reduction of health problems secondary to SCI and in the promotion of participation
Keywords: Disability, Environment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.