Biomedical aspects

One of the core aims of SwiSCI ist the assessment of prevalence of comorbidities, associated injuries and health conditions in persons with SCI.

Epidemiology of SCI

A main goal of SwiSCI is to establish a reliable epidemiological database for SCI that may inform Swiss social and health policy regarding measures to prevent SCI as well as to anticipate likely increases in the future demand on resources for external support and specialized care.

To that purpose the study aims to provide reliable estimates of key epidemiological indicators related to mortality, morbidity and functioning for SCI and the demographic, geographic and other variation in relation to the health system in these statistics.

Research on social inequalities in health and health behaviour

Social inequalities in health have been documented all over the world. There is strong evidence that indicators of socioeconomic position such as education, income or employment status affect health, leaving those in lower positions at higher risk for morbidity and premature mortality.

To date, major evidence comes from cohort studies of general populations, whereas relatively few investigations analyzed social inequalities in health among persons with a disability.

Personal Factors Research Program

The aim of the Personal Factors Research Program is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role that individual psychosocial resources play in relation to functioning, disability and well-being in persons living with spinal cord injury in Switzerland, relying on a bio-psycho-social perspective.

Work and Employment Research

Work and employment play a crucial role in the social participation and integration of all members of society. Gainful employment generates income and can contribute to one's self-fulfillment and self-esteem.

It is, therefore, of paramount importance to gain a better understanding of the work and employment situation faced by persons with disabilities. Our research focuses on the various determinants and consequences of vocational (re)integration of persons with SCI.

Health Services Research

The Health Services Research group at Swiss Paraplegic Research investigates and intends to improve how persons with spinal cord injury utilize health care services.

Disabled patients can be high users of medical care, often require services from multidisciplinary teams and bring with them multiple needs and expectations. The needs may not all be met within the setting offered by the health care provider. In a system that mainly focuses on cure rather than the improvement and the lived experience, losses in the perceived quality of care are to be expected.