SpinalWorks project: evaluation of implementation of whole of life rehabilitation model: final report

The SpinalWorks project offers people with a recent spinal injury assistance with their rehabilitation back into the workforce or into education and training, especially with the provision of early training in the use of computer technology . In undertaking this evaluation of the program 18 current and former patients were interviewed of whom 11 had started study through the SpinalWorks program. The key factors contributing to a positive outcome with the program were: (1) suitable equipment; (2) compatibility of project with hospital spinal unit processes; (3) course contributes to whole-of-life improvement; (4) courses tailored to individual needs; (5) co-ordination with other programs. The key factors which inhibited positive outcomes were: (1) introducing SpinalWorks too early for some patients; (2) not enough teaching hours; (3) follow-up system; (4) lack of continuity of funding; (5) career counselling; (6) lack of awareness of SpinalWorks.

The related report 'SpinalWorks: final report', November 2005, prepared by TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute-OTEN is indexed at TD/NSW 85.05.

The SpinalWorks project offers people with a recent spinal injury assistance with their rehabilitation back into the workforce or into education and training, especially with the provision of early training in the use of computer technology . In undertaking this evaluation of the program 18 current and former patients were interviewed of whom 11 had started study through the SpinalWorks program. The key factors contributing to a positive outcome with the program were: (1) suitable equipment; (2) compatibility of project with hospital spinal unit processes; (3) course contributes to ...  [+] Show more