A spinal cord injury can have a devastating impact on the lives of individuals and their loved ones. The healthcare journey after a spinal cord injury often requires a wide range of services, including emergency, trauma and surgical services, intensive care and rehabilitation. Many of these rely upon a highly specialised workforce. Early access to these services greatly improves long-term outcomes. Furthermore, coordinated care in the community is essential for optimising health and wellbeing. Early identification and management of complications after an injury also support improved quality of life.
As part of a system-wide response to enhance spinal cord injury care across Queensland, we embarked on an authentic co-design process to develop a new service delivery model for spinal cord injuries. This model outlines future arrangements for coordinated spinal cord injury services across the state. The model reflects contemporary, evidence-based care tailored to the diverse needs of people with a spinal cord injury. We took a novel approach by integrating experience-based co-design methodology alongside a typical health service planning process. Our poster outlines the process, outcomes and lessons learned when integrating experience-based co-design in system-wide health service planning. Strategies and techniques for navigating uncertainties, risks and challenges that arise during co-design are also highlighted.
