First of its kind tool provides support for people with spinal cord injuries
Daniel Holt with Professor James Middleton and Dr Mohit Arora
A valuable digital resource has been launched to help people with spinal cord injuries troubleshoot some of the complex health challenges that can arise after injury, after key input by Kolling Institute researchers. The Spinal Cord Injury Health Maintenance Tool, which includes a website, smartphone app and hardcopy booklets, was designed to empower people to self-manage their health-related needs and maintain a high quality of life. Launched by NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, the tool provides reliable, evidence-based and easy-to-understand information to help those with spinal cord injuries and their primary health care providers manage injury related concerns. It features interactive tools such as a quick health checker, collaborative care plans, symptom trackers and goal setting programs. The tool also offers self-management strategies
through the lens of someone with a spinal cord injury, so individuals can learn what they need to do to stay well and what action to take when health issues arise. “The tool was developed following genuine, multi- method consultation with meaningful engagement with a diverse stakeholder group,” he said. “This process ensured the voices of individuals living with a spinal cord injury and their healthcare providers were incorporated into the design of this important new resource. “During the consultations for instance, we found there was a need to place a greater emphasis on mental health and wellness, so an additional component on mental health was included. “We are very proud of this resource which will provide practical and easily accessible information to those with a spinal cord injury.” The freely available tool was developed in partnership between The University of Sydney, Royal Rehab, the State SCI Service, the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, and with funding provided by icare NSW. To find out more about this comprehensive resource visit healthmaintenancetool.com.
focusing on mental health and wellbeing, as well as bladder, bowel, skin, pain and autonomic dysreflexia concerns.
University of Sydney and Kolling Institute researcher Professor James Middleton, who was instrumental in the design of the resource, said the tool had been written
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