Poster (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 1984972

Abstract

Background Heart disease is the most common cause of death after spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D), with Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) risk a primary contributor. Objectives 1) To report the frequency of Physical Activity guideline adherence; 2) To report the frequency of serum lipid screening recall and their recollection of the result interpretation; among adults living with SCI/D in the community. Methods A Kinesiologist collected the SCI-High outcome data via in person or phone 1:1 interviews, and chart abstraction among UHN outpatients. A Provincial Intake Coordinator collected data via phone interview among outpatients affiliated with SCI Ontario. Survey responses were scored using Reachlite’s optical character recognition software. Descriptive statistics characterize the participant’s age, sex, impairment characteristics, and adherence to physical activity guidelines and the frequency of lipid screening/interpretation recall. Best practice education materials were used to increase future PA guideline adherence, prompt lipid screening, and healthy food choices. Results Adult outpatients (n=127, 67% male), mean age 61 years, and 55% paraplegic consented to participate. In total, 48% (60/126) of outpatients reported engaging in some form of aerobic exercise; of whom 50% (30/60) of these individuals were meeting current PA guidelines. About 51% of outpatients recalled lipid screening within the last year, 33% indicated they had not had an assessment. Clinical interpretation of lipid values was recalled by 71% (53/75) of outpatients. Conclusion Physical activity guideline adherence and routine lipid assessments are integral to CMD risk modification – substantial education resources and recall aids may help to modify CMD risk after SCI/D.