A Follow-Up Program In India For Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Paraplegia Safari

Abstract Background: Once patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) were discharged from the hospital, it was very difficult for them to return for follow-up, particularly during thefirst year, due to problems regarding finances and social issues, as weil as extreme physical barriers. Because of these barriers, a large number of patients were presenting forre-admission for reasons that might have been prevented if they had come for routine follow-up. Therefore, it was feit that an attempt to visit the patient's residence to conducta follow-up would be of great help. Objectives: To evaluate and improve the status of rehabilitation of community-dwelling SCI patients in their homes and attempt todecrease the rate of re-admissions. Material and Methods: ln this program, the home visit team consisted of an orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, prosthetist and orthotist engineer, medical social worker, and a nurse. Rehabilitated discharged patients received needed medical treatment, orthotics, and vocational guidance at their residences. Patients who required re-admission were assisted back tothe hospital. Conclusion: The home visit program decreased the number of re-admissions by improving the status of rehabilitation, which raisedthe quality of care for patients with SCI.