The Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service (QSCIS) is experiencing increased need for its Statewide specialist inpatient Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU) in Brisbane, impacting timely access to specialist support for people with new spinal cord injuries (SCI). Limited specialist inpatient beds, combined with Queensland’s vast geographical area, can lead to delays in accessing SCI support, increasing the risk of complications, and impacting rehabilitation outcomes.
To address this, the QuickStart initiative was developed as an innovative, statewide in-reach service. The service is delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialised medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, and clinical psychology. The primary objective is to provide timely and equitable care to individuals with newly acquired SCI, ensuring seamless integration into the QSCIS lifelong continuum. This is achieved through both in-person and virtual clinical support and streamlining access to inpatient, transition, outpatient, and outreach services.
Key initiatives supporting QuickStart include:
- A streamlined early referral pathway, developed with clinician and consumer consultation, to facilitate prompt and equitable access of SCI specialist support statewide.
- A specialised triage process directing new SCI patients to the most appropriate service within the QSCIS continuum.
- An online education hub for clinicians, launched in September 2023, providing accessible SCI resources.
- A care transition coordinator role to improve patient flow and discharge timing, enhancing bed availability for new SCI patients.
- QuickStart aims to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place, reducing risks associated with delayed treatment and ensuring continuity of care across the patient’s life.
