Do racial and ethnic minority patients fare worse after SCI?: A critical review of the literature

摘要: A number of researchers have identified differences in SCI outcomes between racial and ethnic groups, but findings never been synthesized to give clinicians a coherent picture the problem. The goals current project were (1) conduct critical literature review studies specifically investigating disparities spinal cord injury care, services, outcomes; (2) explore possible causative factors that may explain these disparities; (3) propose strategies reduce improve access, service, for minority patients with SCI; (4) generate ideas future research this area. search using MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, HealthSource resulted 49 articles discussing hospital, mental health, physical functioning, employment, quality life, family outcomes. Results indicated after an SCI, groups shorter hospital lengths stay, higher rehospitalizations rates, levels depression, more days poor greater degrees unemployment, difficulties mobility, lower self-reported subjective well-being life satisfaction, risk marital breakup. variety factors, intervention strategies, directions are presented.