What does SCIMS mean in UNCLASSIFIED

The Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) program, established in 1978 by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), supports comprehensive research and model systems centers dedicated to improving the quality of care and promoting health and autonomy of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The program also focuses on expanding knowledge regarding long-term outcomes for persons with SCI as well as providing current information that can be used to improve rehabilitation services.

The SCIMS program provides funding for research projects exploring a variety of topics related to spinal cord injury rehabilitation, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, education/vocational rehabilitation, special projects on secondary conditions such as pressure ulcers, bladder care, mobility aids, etc. Additionally, it encourages collaborative studies between researchers from different disciplines who are focused on improving the quality of life for individuals living with SCI.

Through its network of centers located across the United States, the SCIMS provides a range of supportive services to people living with spinal cord injuries such as peer mentorship programs; educational resources; vocational counseling; health promotion activities; community resource referral information; medical and healthcare referrals; psychosocial support services; leisure activities and more.

An SCI Model System Center is a designated facility that specializes in conducting comprehensive scientific research related to spinal cord injury treatment and prevention over an extended period of time. These centers work collaboratively with other clinical providers at local hospitals in order to ensure that individuals living with spinal cord injuries have access to high-quality care that incorporates best practices.

Services provided at an SCI Model System Center are open to anyone affected by a spinal cord injury regardless of age or severity. Additionally, friends or family members who want more information about how they can support their loved one's recovery are welcome to connect with staff at these facilities for guidance.

Unfortunately no financial assistance is available through the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Program. However there may be opportunities for participants in research projects sponsored by individual model systems centers that include some type of compensation for participation or data collection purposes. You should contact your local center directly if you would like more information about this possibility.

Admission into an Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Center is typically handled on a case-by-case basis depending upon availability of resources such as personnel, space or equipment needed for assessment and treatment purposes as determined by each center’s respective protocols. Contacting your local center directly is often recommended if you would like more information about applying for admission or enrolling in any currently ongoing research initiatives hosted at that location.

Yes! Participating Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers often host clinical trials focused on testing new treatments or interventions specificially designed for improving outcomes among individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Generally speaking these trials are designed based upon up-to-date evidence within the field while also incorporating findings from already completed basic science studies which inform potential therapies under consideration.