Access to Allied Health Care Services in Canadian Interdisciplinary Complex Nerve Injury Programs. (26th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chapman, Kristine M.; Doherty, Chris; Bristol, Sean G.; O'Connor, Russell; Berger, Michael J.
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Volume 47:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 833
• Publication Date: 2020-11-26
• Subjects: Peripheral nerve injury, -- Nerve transfer surgery, -- Interdisciplinary, -- Allied health care; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.98
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0317-1671

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nerve transfer surgery for patients with nerve and spinal cord injuries can result in dramatic functional improvements. As a result, interdisciplinary complex nerve injury programs (CNIPs) have been established in many Canadian centers, providing electrodiagnostic and surgical consultations in a single encounter. We sought to determine which allied health care services are included in Canadian CNIPs, at the 3rd Annual Canadian Peripheral Nerve Symposium. Twenty CNIPs responded to a brief survey and reported access as follows: occupational therapy = 60%, physiotherapy = 40%, social work = 20%, and mental health = 10%. Access to allied health services is variable in CNIPs across Canada, possibly resulting in heterogeneity in patient care.