Tertiary prevention and spinal cord injury: Implications for future research

Prior research examining community integration and adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) has focused on quality of life, psychosocial benefits, and social integration. This research has shown that a decline in community reintegration is linked to physical independence, mobility, social integration, occupation (Sekaran, et al, 2010), and health status (Anderson, Krajci, & Vogel, 2003). Few studies have examined how community health addresses tertiary prevention with SCI. With the decrease in acute hospital days and inpatient rehabilitation stays from 1973 to 2005 (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center) there is a greater demand for outpatient services that address secondary health conditions (i.e., urinary tract infection, pressure sores, pain, and cardiovascular disease) associated with SCI. In a research study completed by Boschen, Tonack, & Gargaro (2003) subjects stated that although they appreciated and understood the importance of the rehabilitation process to a healthy lifestyle, the current health care system is not relevant to the needs of the individual with SCI. Furthermore, van Loo, et al. (2010) demonstrated that individuals with SCI who experienced secondary health conditions associated with the SCI believed that over 34.1% were preventable if the correct outpatient treatment was in place. This presentation will provide a critical analysis of the current literature on SCI and community integration, with a focus on how public health services, including recreational therapy, can promote positive clinical outcomes, including tertiary prevention. Research questions will be identified for future studies in this area of health disparity.