SCI Consumer Information on Safe Transfer Technique

A new factsheet on Safe Transfer Technique for people with spinal cord injury is now available on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) website at http://msktc.washington.edu/sci/factsheets/transfers.asp. This factsheet was developed by Michael L. Boninger, MD, in collaboration with the MSKTC. It is based on research evidence whenever available and represents the consensus of expert opinion of the SCI Model System directors. 

Free Webcast: The Skin You’re In: An Overview of Maintaining Skin Integrity for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
6:30-8:00 PM Eastern Time
6:15 PM Check-in

Presented by the New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center.

Register at: http://development.bmc.org/nerscicwebcast 

Presenter:

Lauren Harney, RN, BSN, CWON

Boston Medical Center

About the Webcast:

Good skin integrity is paramount in maintaining your health and quality of life.  Individuals with spinal cord injury face unique and challenging issues in maintaining skin integrity that require comprehensive intervention on a daily basis.  This webcast will present issues from basic skin care, such as hygiene and choosing the right clothing, to the stressors that can contribute to poor skin integrity, such as poor nutrition, pressure distribution, and psychological factors.  This webcast will also address the costs to prevent and treat pressure ulcers as well as the complications that may arise from a pressure ulcer.

Lauren Harney, RN, BSN, CWON, currently works at Boston Medical Center as a wound/ostomy nurse.  She has held Board Certification as a wound/ostomy nurse for 12 years and has extensive experience in skin care for acute and chronically ill individuals.  She has worked in various settings ranging from urban community care to Level 1 trauma hospitals.  Ms. Harney helps to establish guidelines and wound care formularies in various health care settings, and serves as a consultant advising physicians and rehabilitation staff in developing best practices for wound/ostomy care.

Information for spinal cord injury consumers on getting the right wheelchair.

The SCI Model Systems recently posted three new evidence-based factsheets: Getting the Right Wheelchair: What the SCI Consumer Needs to Know; The Manual Wheelchair; and The Power Wheelchair. These factsheets are written for people with SCI, caregivers, and family member who want to learn more about how to get the best wheelchair to fit your needs. You can access PDFs and web-based versions of the Wheelchair Series here: http://msktc.washington.edu/sci/factsheets/wheelchairs/ 

Spanish versions of SCI consumer factsheets on Skin Care and Pressure Sores

The MSKTC Consumer Information Factsheets on Skin Care and Pressure Sores are now available in Spanish at:

http://msktc.washington.edu/sci/factsheets/Spanish.asp

MSKTC Consumer Factsheets are based on research evidence and/or professional consensus and have been reviewed and approved by an editorial team of experts from the SCI Model Systems.

Toward a Model System of Post-rehabilitative Health Care for Individuals with SCI

The report of the Special Interest Group (SIG) on SCI Model System Innovation (2010): Toward a Model System of Post-rehabilitative Health Care for Individuals with SCI—Extending the SCI Model Systems Concept to Health Care in the Community is available at:  http://msktc.washington.edu/sci/sci_sigs/SCIModelSystemInnovationReport.pdf

In this report, 15 leaders from the Spinal Cord Injury model centers around the nation tackle one of the major unaddressed issues in SCI care: meeting the ongoing health care needs of individuals with SCI once they leave the protective cover of the rehabilitation center. The report brings together more than 25 years of literature and countless years of collective experience of professionals on the front lines of SCI care. The four recommendations set forth by the authors will be of interest to researchers, clinicians, policy-makers and consumers and are especially timely now as we enter a potentially transformative period in American health care.

Free Webcast: The Affordable Care Act and People with Disabilities

A free webcast and live chat for individuals living with spinal cord injury, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals, presented by the New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center as part of the Stepping Forward- Staying Informed Consumer Education Program.

Monday, March 14, 2011

6:30-8:00 PM Eastern Time; 6:15 check-in

Presenter Patrick M. Tigue from Community Catalyst will provide attendees with a review of the basic structure of the national health reform law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about policy implications of several provisions of the ACA that are particularly relevant to people with disabilities. Finally, attendees will learn about how the current political landscape will likely affect implementation of the ACA’s provisions going forward.

To register for the webcast, go to http://development.bmc.org/nerscicwebcast 

New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center website: http://www.bmc.org/spinalcordinjurycenter.htm

January 12 Webcast RESCHEDULED

The Stepping Forward Staying Informed Evening Lecture Series scheduled for this Wednesday January 12^th has been rescheduled due to the forecasted snow storm in the northeast.

“The Affordable Care Act and People with Disabilities: Policy and Politics” lecture will be held on Monday, March 14, 2011.  

(Please note, the March lecture will be held on a Monday instead of a Wednesday.)  We’ll be in touch as the rescheduled lecture approaches.  We hope you can join us in March.

Thanks, and stay safe!

New England Regional SCI Center

at Boston Medical Center

tel: 617-638-7314