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Clinical activities of the model spinal cord injury system
1Spinal Cord Injury and Ventilator Dependent Programs, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, New Jersey 07052, USA. skirshblum@kessler-rehab.com
Objective:
To review clinical activities that have resulted from funding of the Model Spinal Cord Injury System (MSCIS).
Methods:
Review of the literature and responses from Model Systems Centers.
Results:
Clinical benefits derived from MSCIS funding have been classified into 5 different areas: shift of spinal cord care from individual centers to care from a "Systems approach"; data collection as a stimulus for improved clinical care; service comprehensiveness to improve clinical care; research as a stimulus for improved clinical care; and dissemination of MSCIS research findings for educational purposes and to improve care provided by all SCI centers, including those not funded by the MSCIS.
Conclusion:
Many clinical benefits have been derived from the MSCIS program. Current research and developments being studied at model systems across the nation should continue to lead to new standards of care for persons with SCI.