Developing a Community Based Rehabilitation Network for People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Study in Appalachian Kentucky

Abstract

This case study describes the process of developing a community based, collaborative network in underserved Appalachian Kentucky, focused on the needs of people with spinal cord injury. The goal of the project was to develop a network to disseminate information and maximize resources to improve quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in rural Appalachian Kentucky. The counties located in eastern Kentucky are some of the poorest in Appalachia and have significant shortages of healthcare resources. A community-academic partnership was developed to guide the creation of a network of stakeholders in rural communities who are in impacted by SCI. Initial interviews and focus groups guided the creation of the network and the topics of importance to the people/families living with SCI and the healthcare providers in this rural region. Conclusions from the case study highlight the supports and barriers to the creation of the community based network. While many individuals, businesses and healthcare providers quickly joined the network development process, similar barriers that influence health disparities in rural underserved populations were faced in developing this network. Geographic isolation and transportation issues negatively impacted full participation in the network. However, many participants are thriving in this collaboration. This case study shows how a community based network of people working together can translate research results into a meaningful foundation to develop programs that will positively influence health and quality of life outcomes for underserved populations in underserved regions.