Spinal Cord Injury Resources

These resources relate to services which support recovery following spinal cord injury, monitor, manage and stabilise long term health impact, and facilitate individual independence, achievement of personal goals, and return to a fulfilling life in the community.

My rehab, my journey website

Aboriginal people who have a long stay in hospital following trauma or medical episode face some unique challenges. My rehab, my journey Gadjigadji aims to support clinicians and health staff to create a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal people in their ward.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/my-rehab

Subcategory: My rehab, my journey Resource Type: Toolkits

Updated: 15 October 2021

Format: Webpage

Pressure Injury Toolkit

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/pressure-injuries/pi-toolkit

Subcategory: Pressure Injuries in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida Resource Type: Other

Updated: 10 March 2022

Format: Webpage

NSW SSCIS Pathway for Management of Pressure Injuries in SCI – May 2016

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/313640/SSCIS_PI_ReferralPathway.pdf

Format: PDF File (255.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Pressure Injuries in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida Resource Type: Clinical Guidelines

Updated: 16 June 2016

Autonomic Dysreflexia Algorithm

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/155143/algorithm.pdf

Format: PDF File (50.9 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Autonomic Dysreflexia Resource Type: Clinical Guidelines

Updated: 29 June 2011

Treatment of Autonomic Dysreflexia for Adults and Adolescents with Spinal Cord Injuries (updated 2014)

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/155149/Autonomic-Dysreflexia-Treatment.pdf

Format: PDF File (1.6 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Autonomic Dysreflexia Resource Type: Factsheets

Updated: 16 May 2014

Autonomic Dysreflexia Medical Emergency Card

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/163442/Medical-Emergency-Card.pdf

Format: PDF File (198.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Autonomic Dysreflexia Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 2 June 2017

Video Presentation on Autonomic Dysreflexia by Dr James Middleton

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/autonomic_dysreflexia/video_presentation_on_autonomic_dysreflexia_by_dr_james_middleton

Subcategory: Autonomic Dysreflexia Resource Type: Presentations

Updated: 25 January 2013

Format: Webpage

Emotional wellbeing toolkit: a clinician’s guide to working with spinal cord injury

This toolkit aims to support clinicians in understanding and managing psychosocial issues associated with acute and long-term spinal cord injury.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/psychosocial_strategy/emotional-wellbeing-toolkit

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Toolkits

Updated: 12 April 2021

Format: Webpage

Guide for Health Professionals on the Psychosocial Care of People with Spinal Cord Injury (updated 2014)

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/155233/Guide-Psychosocial-Care.pdf

Format: PDF File (2.5 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Clinical Guidelines

Updated: 16 May 2014

Improving Transitions to Community Living for People with Spinal Cord Injury in NSW: Final Report

Building on a strong existing culture of holistic SCI rehabilitation in NSW specialist units, this report identifies psychosocial support and the strengthened involvement of families, natural support networks and formal peer support programs as key to building self-management skills.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/553579/Improving-Transitions-to-Community-Living-for-People-with-SCI-Final-Report.pdf

Format: PDF File (2.5 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Other

Updated: 15 October 2019

Psychosocial Adjustment after Spinal Cord Injury (updated 2014)

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/155197/Psychosocial-Adjustment.pdf

Format: PDF File (2.1 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Clinical Guidelines

Updated: 16 May 2014

SSCIS Psychosocial Strategy – Case Study 1 – Acute Setting

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/166619/psychosocial_case_study_1.pdf

Format: PDF File (69.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Clinician Summaries

Updated: 21 June 2012

SSCIS Psychosocial Strategy – Case Study 2 – Rehabilitation Setting

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/166620/psychosocial_case_study_2.pdf

Format: PDF File (65.1 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Clinician Summaries

Updated: 21 June 2012

SSCIS Psychosocial Strategy – Case Study 3 – Community Setting

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/166621/psychosocial_case_study_3.pdf

Format: PDF File (68.6 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Psychosocial Strategy Resources Resource Type: Clinician Summaries

Updated: 21 June 2012

Referral Directory

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/referral-directory/referral-directory

Subcategory: Referral Directory Resource Type: Other

Updated: 10 March 2022

Format: Webpage

SSCIS Principles for the Inter-Hospital Referral and Transfer Communications Process for Adult Patients with a Spinal Cord Injury

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/255407/sscis-interhospital-transfer-communication-v040213.pdf

Format: PDF File (771.1 KB) Alternate Content: Plain Text

Subcategory: Referral Directory Resource Type: Key Principles

Updated: 29 January 2015

State Spinal Seating Services

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/155251/seat.pdf

Format: PDF File (260.0 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Spinal Seating Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 22 February 2012

Spinal Seating Professional Development Program

The ACI State Spinal Cord Injury Service education website for seating and wheeled mobility has been established to assist health professionals gain knowledge, confidence and understanding in the practice of seating and wheeled mobility prescription. The site's audience is health professional graduates and students working with people who have acquired a spinal cord injury or similar neurological condition.

This education resource has been established as a component of the Spinal Seating Professional Development Program. Other components of the program include developing a broader network of health professionals and rehabilitation engineers who assess and prescribe seating and wheel mobility, improving competency, developing specialist education sessions and standardisation within the network’s specialist seating and wheeled mobility services.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/spinal-cord-injury/spinal-seating

Subcategory: Spinal Seating Resource Type: Web Resources

Updated: 16 November 2020

Format: Webpage

About your contoured foam cushion

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/155257/usefoam.pdf

Format: PDF File (121.4 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Spinal Seating Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 22 February 2012

About your Jay cushion

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/155263/usejay.pdf

Format: PDF File (236.7 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Spinal Seating Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 22 February 2012

About your ROHO Enhancer cushion

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/155269/useroho2.pdf

Format: PDF File (103.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Spinal Seating Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 22 February 2012

About your ROHO Quadtro Select ® / Contour Select™ Cushion

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/155275/useroho3.pdf

Format: PDF File (149.1 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Spinal Seating Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 22 February 2012

The SOS-HQ - Entire Questionnaire

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/155304/sos_hq_full.pdf

Format: PDF File (122.5 KB) Alternate Content: Plain Text

Subcategory: SOS-HQ - Spinal Outreach Service Health Questionnaire Resource Type: Toolkits

Updated: 29 June 2011

CIAP - Specialties - NSW Government

The Clinical Information Access Program (CIAP) provides access to clinical information and resources to support evidence-based practice at the point of care.

http://www.ciap.health.nsw.gov.au/home.html

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

EnableNSW

EnableNSW provides equipment, and in some cases attendant care, to assist eligible residents of NSW with a permanent or long-term disability by providing assistive technology in the areas of:

mobility
self care
communication, and
respiratory support.

EnableNSW is part of Health Support Services and is responsible for the administration of the NSW Health disability support programs including the:

Aids and Equipment Program (formerly known as PADP)
Specialised Equipment Essential for Discharge (SEED)
Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC)

http://www.enable.health.nsw.gov.au

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 31 March 2022

Format: Webpage

Health Insite

Health Insite - A Healthdirect Australia health information service. Includes publications on spinal cord injuries.

http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Spinal_Cord_Diseases

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

iCare

icare (Insurance & Care NSW) is a Public Financial Corporation governed by an independent Board of Directors that delivers insurance and care services to the people of New South Wales. Whether a person is severely injured in the workplace or on our roads, icare supports their long-term care needs to improve quality of life outcomes, including helping people return to work.

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

International Spinal Cord Society

(International Scientific Association)

http://www.iscos.org.uk/

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

MedlinePlus USA

A link to the Medline Plus spinal cord injury information a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. This site contains a large selection of health related issues introductory overviews frequently asked questions statistics and extensive links to other USA spinal cord injury websites.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spinalcordinjuries.html

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Northcott Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service

The Northcott Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service is jointly funded by Northcott Disability Services and NSW Health. The team services children and adolescents throughout NSW and the ACT who have had a spinal cord injury. The aim of the service is to maximise age-appropriate rehabilitation and to facilitate reintegration into home school and the community.

http://www.northcott.com.au/index.php

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Paraquad NSW (NGO)

ParaQuad NSW website contains all the latest information news events about living in the community with a spinal cord injury in addition to health information targeting people with spinal cord injuries and their carers. The site has a strong community and advocacy focus and is ideal for health professionals working in the non-inpatient environment and for consumers.

http://www.paraquad.org.au/

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Physiotherapy Exercises for people with a Spinal Cord Injury

This website contains physiotherapy exercises appropriate for people with neurological conditions and primarily consists of exercises aimed at improving strength flexibility function and fitness.

http://www.physiotherapyexercises.com/

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Queensland Spinal Injuries Unit

Includes information and resources for health professionals about spinal cord injuries. The Handbook of Spinal Cord Injuries is particularly useful.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qscis/

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (NGO)

This site contains a broad and diverse array of information and news about spinal issues.

http://scia.org.au/

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE)

This manual represents the first comprehensive synthesis of the published evidence on rehabilitation strategies and community-based programs designed to improve the functional outcomes and quality of life for people living with a SCI. It is primarily intended as a guide for professionals in the areas of SCI health care and community care. It should also prove useful to SCI researchers public policy makers and people with SCI and their families.

http://icord.org/documents/scire-spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation-evidence/

Subcategory: Organisations and External Links Resource Type: External Links

Updated: 25 November 2020

Format: Webpage

Information on COVID-19 for people with spinal cord injury

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/582824/ACI-Information-on-COVID-19-for-people-with-spinal-cord-injury.pdf

Format: PDF File (203.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Other

Updated: 28 July 2022

Inspiratory muscle training in people with spinal cord injury

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/582825/ACI-SCI-CoP-IMT-Consumer-Guidance.pdf

Format: PDF File (281.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Other

Updated: 2 December 2022

Nutrition for Adults with Spinal Cord Injuries

Information on determining and maintaining a healthy weight after SCI and the impact of diet on bowel, bladder, skin and bone health.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/155185/ACI_0239-Nutrition-for-Adults-with-SCI_F.pdf

Format: PDF File (3.3 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 18 September 2019

Dad has a spinal cord injury, and what happened next

‘Dad has a spinal cord injury, and what happened next’, is Melissa’s story of her father’s spinal cord injury. It outlines milestones on the journey from his injury to his return home. Readers with spinal cord injury are encouraged to tell their own stories, to enhance communication with their children.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/155287/dad_had_a_sci_Oct2406.pdf

Format: PDF File (1.6 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 4 April 2017

How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury - A tool for consumers from consumers

This tool has been written through the eyes of a person living with a spinal cord injury, so you can learn what to do to stay well and know what actions to take when health issues arise. The first step is usually to self-manage, but if this approach doesn’t work, an appropriate healthcare professional can help.

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/-/media/icare/unique-media/global-header/news-and-stories/news/health-maintenance-toolkit-a-guide-for-people-with-spinal-cord-injury/spinal-cord-injury-health-maintenance-toolkit.pdf

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Other

Updated: 25 March 2021

Format: PDF File

Autonomic Dysreflexia Medical Emergency Card

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/163442/Medical-Emergency-Card.pdf

Format: PDF File (198.5 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 2 June 2017

Talking to Children about SCI

This unique resource grew from the identified need to provide parents and families who are experiencing a spinal cord injury in a relative with developmentally appropriate guidance and very practical advice about effective ways to support and communicate with child relatives and remain connected to their lives throughout the patient journey after spinal cord injury.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/194399/Talking_to_children_about_SCI_-guide_for_families_A4_book_LR.pdf

Format: PDF File (5.8 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 4 April 2017

What to do when you are hospitalised

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/155298/What-to-do-when-you-are-hospitalised.pdf

Format: PDF File (234.8 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Consumer Spinal Cord Injury Resources Resource Type: Consumer Information

Updated: 15 April 2020

Ageing with Spinal Cord Injury (2014)

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/224679/ACI-Ageing-with-SCI-FINAL.pdf

Format: PDF File (1.8 MB) Alternate Content: Plain Text

Subcategory: Fact sheets Resource Type: Factsheets

Updated: 5 June 2014

Fertility following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury causes significant disruption to fertility and reproductive health, as well as challenges during pregnancy, labour and delivery. This document provides an overview of male and female fertility issues and the supports available to people with spinal cord injury.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/600855/ACI-SCI-Fertility-following-spinal-injury.pdf

Format: PDF File (383.2 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Fact sheets Resource Type: Factsheets

Updated: 28 August 2020

Health Maintenance for Adults with Spinal Cord injury (updated 2014)

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/155167/Health-Maintenance.pdf

Format: PDF File (1.4 MB) Alternate Content: Plain Text

Subcategory: Fact sheets Resource Type: Factsheets

Updated: 16 May 2014

Management of the Neurogenic Bladder for Adults with Spinal Cord Injuries (updated 2014)

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/155179/Management-Neurogenic-Bladder.pdf

Format: PDF File (1.4 MB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Fact sheets Resource Type: Factsheets

Updated: 16 May 2014

Sexuality following spinal cord injury

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/349051/Spinal-sexuality-guideline-160317.pdf

Format: PDF File (405.7 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Fact sheets Resource Type: Factsheets

Updated: 16 March 2017

Spinal cord injury bowel management

Guides clinicians in a non-specialist context to provide immediate acute care, develop an individualised bowel management plan and progress to routine care.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/807434/ACI-Spinal-cord-injury-bowel-management.pdf

Format: PDF File (900.9 KB) Alternate Content: --

Subcategory: Spinal cord injury guides for clinicians in non-spinal units Resource Type: Clinical Guidelines

Updated: 12 December 2022

Evidence and utilisation of spinal cord injury services in NSW

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/model-of-care/evidence-and-utilisation-of-spinal-cord-injury-services-in-nsw

Subcategory: Model of Care Resource Type: Other

Updated: 27 August 2020

Format: Webpage

Spinal Cord Injury Model of Care

The SSCIS has commenced the development of a new model of care for the management and support of children and adults with a spinal cord injury in NSW.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/model-of-care/spinal-cord-injury-model-of-care

Subcategory: Model of Care Resource Type: Models of Care

Updated: 20 April 2017

Format: Webpage

Spinal Cord Injury Emotional Wellbeing Toolkit elearning Course

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/spinal-cord-injury/learning-resources/emotional-wellbeing-elearning

Subcategory: Learning resources Resource Type: Other

Updated: 26 May 2021

Format: Webpage

The Chronic Pain and Brain Injury website

The Chronic Pain and Brain Injury website gives clinicians and patients the tools to manage pain after a brain injury or similar disability.

https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/brain-injury

Subcategory: The Chronic Pain and Brain Injury website Resource Type: Web Resources

Updated: 24 January 2023

Format: Webpage

Spinal Cord Injury Resources

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