Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at greater risk for medical problems, and an important part of lifelong rehabilitation is the prevention of these complications. Areas of concern... Show moreIndividuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at greater risk for medical problems, and an important part of lifelong rehabilitation is the prevention of these complications. Areas of concern include pressure ulcers, lower urinary tract problems, respiratory infections, chronic pain, depression, obesity, leg spasms, bowel impaction, cardiovascular problems, poverty and social isolation. Programs that can prevent or manage these problems from the patients home are at the forefront of medicine today. Web based technology holds great promise in this area because of its interactivity, easy access, availability throughout the day, and low cost. The purpose of this IPRO is to develop a Web site or a model of a site for home-based activities and to have the site evaluated by stakeholders at Hines VA Hospital SCI Service. The seven SCI physicians and two nurse practitioners associated with this Service are very enthusiastic about meeting with students to provide their input related to any Web platforms that may be created. Specific tasks for the project include: (1) Structure of the site to incorporate such elements as: (a) One secure Home Web page with additional secure Web pages for each patient, (b) Web pages for each of a patients problems and programs for management, (c) Access by care givers to the patients Web pages for monitoring, feedback and communication with the patient; (2) A database that includes: (a) Data from structured questionnaires (already developed) related to secondary complications. Patients would be expected to periodically answer the questions associated with their problem areas; (b) Longitudinal summary reports of a patient's responses to easily show condition progress;(3) Two-way communications that includes: comment boxes for staff and patients to communicate or chat in each problem area;(4) Integrates standard home healthcare program components that include: These include stress management, exercise, and medication management. Tracking should include performance and feedback;(5) Solutions for Web access by the patients that offer possibilities: Solutions could including Web TV, a specially designed low-cost computer with Web access, or a PDA; (6) HIPPA and VA patient confidentiality. Show less
