Spinal Cord Injury Project: A Project to Improve and Expand Spinal Cord Injury Services at the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center

摘要

The primary purpose of the Project was to establish a structured multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary program of services for the traumatic spinal cord injured (SCI) clients at the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center. The program was to include services ranging from physical/mental restoration to job placement and follow along services. The Project drew upon the existing programs, staff, and resources of the Center, the field program and the community. Additional Project staff were to augment and strengthen existing programs, as well as address areas perceived as unmet needs. These areas included the following: patient and family education; pre-service and in-service training opportunities for staff serving SCI clients; and appropriate, accessible housing. The Project endeavored to improve the effectiveness of existing programs and staff with the addition of SCI Project staff. The Project presented an opportunity to objectively assess, evaluate, recommend, and possibly implement positive changes in all areas related to spinal cord injury services with special emphasis placed on those areas perceived as unmet needs.