SwiSCI Study: A Decade of Transforming Spinal Cord Injury Research

The aims of the study were to reflect on the methodological and conceptual evolution of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study, summarize its key scientific contributions, and illustrate how such a cohort can shape future directions in spinal cord injury research, care, and policy.

We conducted a bibliometric analysis to examine the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study's publication trends, leading authors, thematic areas, influential papers, and landmark findings related to morbidity, mortality, and functioning among individuals with spinal cord injury in Switzerland.

The Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study comprises two components: the community survey, collecting self-reported data on functioning, morbidity, and mortality in chronic spinal cord injury, and the inception cohort, which enables long-term clinical and biological monitoring of newly injured individuals. Since its inception, the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study has generated 174 publications, primarily from the community survey, with increasing contributions from the inception cohort. Notably, 34% of publications stem from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study nested projects, highlighting the study's capacity to support additional targeted research. Key themes included secondary health conditions, mental health, healthcare use, and social participation, with growing interest in lifestyle and behavioral factors.

The Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study has become a key resource for advancing spinal cord injury research. Its robust, interprofessionnal design provides a foundation for translating research into improved care, policy, and quality of life for individuals with SCI.