Learning from the Best: Our Week at the Spinal Cord Injury Course
In October 2025, Livvie and I attended a week-long Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Course at Royal North Shore Hospital, hosted in partnership with the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI).
It was an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the most knowledgeable and passionate spinal injury specialists in Australia.
While the course focused largely on acute and inpatient care, what stood out most for us was how these early interventions shape the long-term recovery, management and quality of life of people living with spinal cord injuries. The depth of expertise shared was outstanding — and the takeaways have already influenced how we deliver care at Focus on Function.
Daily Reflections and Real-World Application
Each afternoon during the course, Livvie and I would reflect on what we’d learnt that day — translating it into ideas we could immediately apply with our participants back home.
We left the course not just inspired, but equipped to make practical changes in the way we support people living with spinal cord injury across regional NSW.
Key Insights from the Week
- Spinal cord injury is complex and lifelong
An SCI impacts multiple body systems — mobility, bowel and bladder function, respiratory health, sexual health, skin integrity, and emotional wellbeing. It truly requires a multidisciplinary, lifelong approach involving clinicians, nursing, case managers, and families working together. - Changing trends in SCI
The incidence of SCI is rising in Australia, with an increase in injuries among older adults, often from falls, and a growing number of cervical-level injuries. This has implications for how we plan prevention, early intervention, and long-term community support. - Bowel and bladder care in practice
We had the chance to practise bowel care techniques and explore a range of catheters and management tools. These hands-on experiences were invaluable when we returned home — particularly in helping participants and attendant care teams find the right, individualised solutions. - Understanding the factors that influence mental health
It was striking to learn that while injury-related pain and longer hospital stays contribute to the risk of depression or suicide, much of this risk is linked to non-injury factors such as social isolation, access to support, and adjustment challenges. This reinforces the importance of holistic, ongoing support. - Pain management starts early
Treating pain at or near the site of injury, particularly in the acute phase, can make a significant difference to long-term pain outcomes. This evidence strengthens our focus on early, multidisciplinary intervention. - Supporting sexuality and fertility
Sexual health and fertility after SCI are complex and highly individual. There are many options available, but engaging the right specialists and support networks is essential to ensure the best outcomes and confidence for each person. - Aging with a spinal cord injury
We learnt that “aging with SCI” is not necessarily about a person’s chronological age, but rather the years since injury. Over time, the additional demands on body systems can accelerate health challenges. This perspective has shifted how we consider ageing supports and preventative care for our long-term participants.
What We’ve Done Since the Course
Returning from the course, we immediately began turning learning into action:
- Created our own internal Focus on Function SCI Learning Module – a central library of high-quality resources, training videos, and assessment tools to ensure our whole team has access to the best information.
- Collaborated with local GPs and medical providers – sharing education on recognising and responding to autonomic dysreflexia and other critical health concerns.
- Tailored our Attendant Care training – ensuring our support teams have clear guidance on bowel and bladder management, skin care, and safe early recognition of complications.
- Shared knowledge directly with participants – helping them understand options for equipment, routines, and health maintenance to enhance independence and safety.
Continuing to Learn and Lead
This week of learning reminded us how vital ongoing education and collaboration are for delivering best-practice care. At Focus on Function, we are committed to ensuring people living with spinal cord injury in regional NSW receive the same quality, expertise, and innovation as those in major metropolitan centres.
The course was a privilege to attend — and it has strengthened our commitment to lifelong learning and person-centred care for the spinal cord injury community.
Focus on Function provides mobile allied health and nursing services across Tamworth, Armidale, and Gunnedah, specialising in catastrophic injury management including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and amputations.
To learn more about our spinal cord injury services or to collaborate with our team, visit www.focusonfunction.com.au
