Sequelae of SCI after discharge from the initial rehabilitation program

The purpose of this study was to identify sequelae that occurred in persons with spinal cord injuries 11 weeks to 5 years after discharge from two initial rehabilitation programs. The investigator-developed instrument was first administered to a convenience sample of 21 subjects (Adamski, 1983). The modified version of the instrument was administered to a probability sample of 19 subjects in the present study. The results demonstrated that respondents experienced a higher incidence of medical sequelae than has been documented in the literature. These findings have important implications for nursing practice in developing and evaluating educational programs for persons with spinal cord injuries.