Workshop (Health Services, Economics and Policy Change) ID 1985330

Spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) are complex chronic conditions associated with multiple morbidities and many social and emotional challenges. Understanding the current gaps in care, the health services and policy priorities of Ontarians with SCI/D is integral to transforming services and meeting their needs over time. Workshop participants will gain: 1) Insight into the current inequities in SCI care; 2) A shared understanding of the current gaps, regional service priorities, and policy needs of people with lived experience in the community. The intended audience includes people with lived experience, family/friends, clinicians, community service providers, funders, advocacy groups, health system planners, administrators, and policymakers. Synthesized results from the Neurotrauma Care Pathways Project (neurotraumapathways.ca) and the SCI Implementation and Evaluation Quality Care Consortium (sciconsortium.ca) will be shared using infographics and lay language. These Ontario Ministry of Health funded projects are intended to inform practice and drive innovations in care. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss priorities regarding inclusion and service equity. The dilemmas of marginalized groups and special populations will be highlighted and the planned next steps shared with workshop attendees. Our hope is that participants will take away a shared understanding that might influence their near term health policy, advocacy, and health behaviours.