International Spinal Cord Injury Vocational Rehabilitation Basic Data Set

Study design: International expert working group consensus. Objective: To develop an International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Vocational Rehabilitation Basic Data Set presenting a standardised format for collection and reporting of a minimal amount of information on vocational rehabilitation in daily practice or research in SCI. Setting: Representation from six countries and four world regions. Methods: An iterative decision-making and consensus process was applied, integrating evidence and expert opinion related to SCI and vocational rehabilitation. A Rapid Review of key literature was conducted to identify key concepts, models or frameworks, relevant domains/categories, specific items, and outcomes or predictors in vocational rehabilitation. Following this, a Data Mapping Exercise matched data fields/items from multiple sources and existing International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Data Sets. Further mapping was performed for alignment of fields against the conceptual framework using a consensus approach , identifying gaps and anchoring decisions on key elements and agreement on common terms/definitions. The ISCoS Data Set Advisory Committee provided feedback and assisted with key decision-making throughout the consultative and consensus process. Consumer perspectives were integrated into the data set development. Suggested revisions were considered, and a final version of the data set was disseminated again for final approval and adoption. Results: The Basic Data Set was developed, consisting of nine items. Conclusion: The International SCI Vocational Rehabilitation Basic Data Set provides a standard and consistent way to capture the lived experience of work functioning of people with SCI and support the integration of vocational rehabilitation in clinical practice and comparative research. Sponsorship: N/A