Spinal Cord Injury Resources in Florida

Spinal Cord Injury Resources – Florida

A spinal cord injury (SCI) patient’s quality of care is often a top priority upon entering a rehabilitation program and selecting a facility can pose a daunting task for those lacking experience with the effects of an injury of this type. In and around the home, a focus on an SCI patient’s independence and self-reliance (based on his/her ability levels) can help to keep a patient from becoming discouraged or from feeling like a burden to family members.

Immediate Medical Treatment

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention. In cases of suspected spinal cord injury, the injured party should get to the hospital as quickly as possible. The time between the injury and the beginning of treatment is critical to stopping secondary damage and preventing a worse outcome.

In many instances, surgery and acute observation will follow in order to mitigate the occurrence of secondary injuries and to keep the patient’s organs functional. Once a patient is stabilized and functionally healthy, planning for the transition from a hospital to rehabilitation can occur.

7 Tips for Evaluating a Potential Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center in Florida

Assessing the quality and culture of a particular spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation center can be difficult for any new SCI patient and their family. Here are a few items to consider when evaluating any SCI treatment program: 

1. Are the patients in the center’s spinal cord injury (SCI) program in a similar age range as the patient who is considering treatment?
2. Is the center’s SCI program accredited? Notable accreditations include the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (CARF) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)?
3. Is the center’s spinal cord injury (SCI) program designated as a Model Spinal Cord Injury Center by the National Institute of Disability Research and Rehabilitation (NIDRR)?
4. Does the therapy specialist(s) develop a treatment plan containing both short and long-term goals?
5. Are multiple therapy options available for patients? i.e. animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, video game therapy
6. Is the lead Physician a Physiatrist? If not, what credentialing do they possess? How much experience does the physician in charge have with directing SCI programs, specifically?