Article

PURPOSE : To evaluate the implementation of standardized physical and functional
tests to monitor patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in eight rehabilitation
centers and to analyze the enablers and the barriers of the implementation
process. The method involved prospective effect and process evaluation.
Team members responded to mailed questionnaires at the start (n = 115) and end (n
= 82) of the 1-year implementation period. Furthermore, a questionnaire was
administered to managers (n = 8), coordinators (n = 8), and 32 persons with SCI
in four centers. Outcome of the effect evaluation was the phase of implementation
of standardized testing in each center. The process evaluation analyzed enablers
and barriers of the implementation process. RESULTS: After a year of
implementation, half of the centers shifted to higher implementation phases. None
of the centers was classified in the highest phase. Enablers were the positive
attitude of the team members regarding standardized testing and an encouraging
local coordinator. Most important barrier was lack of time to implement the
standardized testing. CONCLUSION: There is a large support for implementing
standardized tests to monitor patients with SCI.
During the 1-year, a positive
shift was visible in the extent of implementation. Successful implementation of
patient monitoring requires substantial amounts of time and effort of the
rehabilitation centers involved.

Langue : ANGLAIS