Mapping wellbeing after spinal cord injury
Academic papers and presentations are also being developed for distribution to the wider health professional field. Results will also be used as scientifically-based evidence for the most efficient use of current services, distribution of funds and future support. The project represented collaboration between Monash University, Independence Australia and the Robert Rose Foundation, and was supported by the Austin Hospital and Caulfield General Medical Centre.
The results
Many people living with SCI demonstrated remarkable resilience, if resilience is satisfaction with life on par with the general population. However, while many displayed resilience, many did not. Nearly half of the population with SCI demonstrated mental health problems of depression, anxiety, clinical-level stress or PTSD. The level of emotional stress was considerably higher than the general population.
What now?
The results point to a number of practical ways to improve life after SCI. Overall the study supports the resilience of people of general, but it also identifies those who have the extra burden of serious mental health problems and/or do not experience a good enough quality of life. It is for them that psychological care and rehabilitation is necessary to create the opportunities for a good life after SCI.
For more information or summary please contact Christine Migliorini on (03) 9594 1254.
