SCI CARE (Efficacy of collaborative care versus usual care for improving quality of life in outpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A patient-centered approach)

Chronic pain, depression and difficulty being physically active are common problems for many people with SCI that have a negative effect on overall quality of life. These problems are also very complex and difficult to treat in the current health care system. Our study aims to improve treatment for these conditions by testing a new collaborative care approach. It is a 16-week, single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing collaborative care to usual care for improving physical activity, chronic pain and depression. In this model, a specially trained care manager works with the patient and his or her rehabilitation physician and a team of expert advisors to enhance outpatient healthcare delivery.