Moving Out Services for Education and Support (MOSES): a model program for individuals with spinal cord injury

A comprehensive educational, social, and community integrated program for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) was established at Mount Sinai Medical Center. The need for this program was evident from patients' responses to mailed questionnaires and staff's direct observations of the difficulties encountered by SCI patients when they left the hospital's protected environment and began to cope with living in their communities. The program, Moving Out Services for Education and Support (MOSES), provides relevant information and support to individuals with spinal cord injury as they make the transition from patient to community member. The goal of the program is to foster independence and initiative and to develop leadership skills which enhance successful community reintegration. This article describes the program development, content and training requirements for implementation of these services.