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AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study aims to explore the priorities, preferences, and feedback of multiple healthcare professionals to inform the future development of virtual clinics for community-dwelling adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Ontario, Canada.Interpretive description methodology was used to guide our exploration. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 expert healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in the care of patients with SCI. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview transcripts were then analyzed using a six-phase thematic analysis approach.HCPs perceived virtual care to improve access to care over the long term, particularly to those living in rural areas, as well as increase connections between different providers. However, participants highlighted that in-person care is still required for management of severe SCI-related sequelae that can be life-threatening, such as pressure ulcers, spasticity, respiratory issues, and bowel and bladder complications.Our findings can be used to inform policymakers, HCPs, and stakeholders involved with SCI rehabilitation when establishing a virtual clinic for patients with SCI. Results of this study found that policymakers and HCPs should consider hybridized (blend of virtual and in-person) healthcare and uptake of multidisciplinary approaches within the virtual healthcare systems.Healthcare professionals (HCPs) perceived virtual care to be accessible, convenient, and a practical approach to enhance access to care over the long term, particularly for those persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in remote areas.Persons with SCI could benefit from hybridized healthcare models (blend of in-person and virtual care) as it offers efficient care pathways, leads to a continuum of care, and creates more accessible healthcare for those with limited SCI healthcare options.HCPs and policymakers should consider the uptake of multidisciplinary approaches within virtual healthcare systems to optimize care delivery by digitally connecting providers from multiple disciplines and team members involved in caring for persons with SCI.Healthcare professionals (HCPs) perceived virtual care to be accessible, convenient, and a practical approach to enhance access to care over the long term, particularly for those persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in remote areas.Persons with SCI could benefit from hybridized healthcare models (blend of in-person and virtual care) as it offers efficient care pathways, leads to a continuum of care, and creates more accessible healthcare for those with limited SCI healthcare options.HCPs and policymakers should consider the uptake of multidisciplinary approaches within virtual healthcare systems to optimize care delivery by digitally connecting providers from multiple disciplines and team members involved in caring for persons with SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Early change in function in older adults has been termed preclinical disability (PCD). PCD has been understudied compared to other stages of disability because it is unlikely to receive comparative priority in clinical settings. It has major implications for prevention and population health as it may be the optimal time to intervene to prevent further decline. A standardized approach to research in PCD, including a common definition and measurement approaches, is needed to advance this work. Methods The process to establish how PCD should be defined and measured was undertaken in 2 stages: (1) a scoping review of the literature, which was used to inform (2) a web-enabled consensus meeting with content experts. Results The scoping review and the consensus meeting support the use of the term preclinical mobility limitation (PCML) and that it should be measured using both patient-reported and performance-based measures. It was agreed that the definition of PCML should include modification of frequency and/or method of task completion, without overt disability, and that requisite mobility tasks include walking (distance and speed), stairs, and transfers. Conclusions Currently, there are few standardized assessments that can identify PCML. PCML is the term that most clearly describes the stage where people experience a change in routine mobility tasks, without a perception of disability. Further evaluation into the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of outcome measures is needed to advance research on PCML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]