A comparative examination of models of service delivery intended to support community integration in the immediate period following inpatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury

Study design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Objectives: To describe and compare models of service delivery intended to support community integration in the immediate period following inpatient rehabilitation for SCI, and describe the characteristics of these models or approaches. Setting: Spinal services from multiple international countries Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 12 participants from a convenience sample of ten spinal services from developed economies. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: Three themes were identified, and are described with supporting quotations. These are: Theme One—Models of service delivery (sub-themes: staffing, peer mentors, facilitating community integration during inpatient rehabilitation; Theme Two—Services provided (sub-themes: telehealth, vocational services, groups); Theme Three—Facilitating self-efficacy and self-management. Conclusions: A variety of models aimed at supporting community integration in the immediate period following inpatient rehabilitation for SCI were found. Multi-disciplinary staffing and involvement of peer mentors was common to all services. The importance of vocational rehabilitation was acknowledged by all participants, although the approaches taken to this varied. Telehealth has the potential to assist in self-management, particularly for patients who live a long distance from the spinal unit or are confined to the home for health reasons, and could be further developed. Although service models are greatly influenced by the funding context, the findings from this study can be used to inform service planning in this area.