Principal Investigators: Rory Cooper, PhD, Michael Boninger, MD
Funding Source: Paralyzed Veterans of America Spinal Cord Research Foundation
2002-2003
An education and travel grant was secured to fund at least 10 VA clinicians to attend and participate in this research project at the 2003 19th International Seating Symposium in Orlando, FL. The purpose of this grant is to educate and elevate the level of competencies of VA clinicians who provide seating and wheeled mobility services to veterans with spinal cord injury and disease. By funding VA clinicians’ attendance at an advanced clinical symposium we hope to facilitate evidence-based practice and effective clinical decision-making in everyday situations. These clinicians will also be requested to attend the preconference workshop and participate in the study. It is our expectation that the VA clinicians that participate in this project will serve to educate their colleagues upon return to their duty stations. This grant allows for information dissemination to clinicians that care for Veterans, and fulfills a VA Center for Excellence for Wheelchair and Related Technology project goal.
Implications:The results of this study can help guide the future training of assistive technology (AT) professionals. The SMSCT may be used to assess the results of educational interventions to determine the most effective means to elevate the level of expertise of clinicians, in the prescription of seating and wheeled mobility systems for individuals with spinal cord injuries.