1. Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury
Be aware of the most important health risks for patients with spinal cord injuries
2. Screening for Cardiovascular Risk in SCI
Screen for cardiovascular risk factors at least annually
3. Management of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with SCI
Manage cardiovascular risk among patients with SCI as you would a high-rise ambulatory patient
4. Autonomic Dysreflexia
Alert patients with SCI at T6 and above to the risks of Autonomic Dysreflexia, and the need for urgent attention at the onset of an episode
5. Assessment of Pain in SCI Patients
Screen for pain at every encounter, and distinguish between neuropathic and musculoskeletal or other non-neuropathic pain
6. Pharmacological Management of Neuropathic Pain
Use a step-wise evidence-based protocol for the management of neuropathic pain in SCI, and review pain management annually
7. Management of Musculoskeletal Pain
Chronic musculoskeletal pain requires an interdisciplinary approach, including rehabilitation, and in some cases, surgery
8. Annual Assessment of Neurogenic Bowel
Conduct an annual assessment of bowel function in patients with SCI
9. Periodic Re-evaluation of Bowel Management Program
A step-wise approach to bowel management is recommended in primary care. Referral to SCI specialist may be needed periodically
10. Diet and Fluid Management in Neurogenic Bowel
Refer SCI patients with persistent constipation to a specialist with experience with spinal cord injury or neurogenic bowel
11. Screening for Colorectal Cancer in SCI Patients
Initiate colorectal cancer screening for patients with SCI using the same principles as those for the general population
12. Monitoring of Neurogenic Bladder
Bladder management should be reviewed annually by the family physician, and periodically by a urologist
13. Recognizing Urinary Tract Infections in SCi Patients
Diagnoses of UTI in SCI requires three criteria: (1) significant bacteriuria; (2 pyuria; AND (3) signs and symptoms
14. Pharmacological Management of UTI in SCI
Recurrent UTIs should be treated as complicated infections. Treatment must be customized to the patient and infecting organism
15. Screening for Bladder Cancer in SCI Patients
Routine screening for bladder cancer is recommended, especially in those with indwelling or suprapubic catheters and other risk factors
16. Prevention of Skin Breakdown
Assess for risk of pressure injuries using the Braden Scale, and refer to rehabilitation specialist if high risk (Score < 12)
17. Treatment of Skin Breakdown
Treat Stage I or II wounds with standard wound care. Treat Stage III or IV wounds with specialist/surgical intervention
18. Depression and SCI
Screen for depression annually in patients with SCI, using the PHQ-2 (cut off score > 3). Treat at standard guideline levels
19. Sexuality in SCI
A systematic approach is recommended for addressing sexual activity, sexual function and reproductive issues as part of an annual examination
20. Wheelchair Accessibility of Your Practice
Conduct an accessibility audit of your office space and procedures using attached Primary Care Accessibility Checklist
Actionable Nuggets for Spinal Cord Injury 