International Spinal Cord Injury Core Data Set (version 2.0)-including standardization of reporting

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Core Data Set (Version 1.0) was published in 2006.
• Advancements in SCI research necessitate updated data collection standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present new knowledge in SCI research since 2006.
• To describe adjustments and standardization in the International SCI Core Data Set Version 2.0.

Main Methods:

• International consensus-building process involving expert opinion and feedback.
• Working group discussions and revisions based on community comments.
• Final circulation and approval of the revised data set.

Main Results:

• The International SCI Core Data Set Version 2.0 includes 25 variables.
• Key changes: deletion of 'Total Days Hospitalized', addition of 'Date of Rehabilitation Admission' and 'Date of Death'.
• Expanded 'Injury Etiology' with non-traumatic categories, updated 'Date of Injury' definition, added transgender category, refined ventilatory assistance reporting, and updated pediatric age groups.

Conclusions:

• Standardized data collection is crucial for all SCI studies.
• Facilitates accurate patient population descriptions.
• Enables reliable comparison of research findings globally.