The Swiss national strategy for spinal cord injury as a model of inclusive public health policy
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- 2Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- 3Swiss Paraplegic Foundationm, Nottwil, Switzerland
- 4Independent counsellor, Bern, Switzerland
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition requiring lifelong coordinated health and social services. Despite high-quality rehabilitation in Switzerland, gaps persist in long-term follow-up, psychosocial support, and equitable access to services across regions. This article describes the development of the Swiss National Strategy for SCI (2025–2033) and its relevance for public health policy.
Methods: The strategy was developed through a structured participatory process combining scientific evidence, stakeholder consultation, and multi-level governance. Findings from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI) and related studies informed the identification of needs and system gaps. People with SCI, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, insurers, NGOs, and public authorities contributed through consultation rounds and stakeholder workshops to identify and prioritize strategic objectives.
Results: Nine fields of action were identified, including safeguarding existing services, prevention, lifelong follow-up, psychosocial support, accessibility, employment, caregiver support, and data-driven quality development. Inclusion was defined as a cross-cutting principle integrated across all fields through measures addressing barriers, strengthening capabilities, and supporting participation. Each field includes specific goals and measures. Early implementation follows annual prioritization cycles, with selected measures further developed through dedicated working groups.
Conclusions: This article shows that a national strategy can originate through a participatory, bottom-up approach and translate shared priorities into a governance framework designed to support implementation. It may inform similar efforts in other countries.
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BibTeX
@article{rubinelli2026swiss,
title = {{The Swiss national strategy for spinal cord injury as a model of inclusive public health policy}},
author = {Sara Rubinelli and Gerold Stucki and Mirjam Brach and Heidi Hanselmann and Michael Jordi and Claudia Zanini},
journal = {Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fresc.2026.1878464},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2026.1878464},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Swiss national strategy for spinal cord injury as a model of inclusive public health policy
AU - Sara Rubinelli
AU - Gerold Stucki
AU - Mirjam Brach
AU - Heidi Hanselmann
AU - Michael Jordi
AU - Claudia Zanini
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
DO - 10.3389/fresc.2026.1878464
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2026.1878464
AB - Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition requiring lifelong coordinated health and social services. Despite high-quality rehabilitation in Switzerland, gaps persist in long-term follow-up, psychosocial support, and equitable access to services across regions. This article describes the development of the Swiss National Strategy for SCI (2025–2033) and its relevance for public health policy. Methods: The strategy was developed through a structured participatory process combining scientific evidence, stakeholder consultation, and multi-level governance. Findings from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI) and related studies informed the identification of needs and system gaps. People with SCI, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, insurers, NGOs, and public authorities contributed through consultation rounds and stakeholder workshops to identify and prioritize strategic objectives. Results: Nine fields of action were identified, including safeguarding existing services, prevention, lifelong follow-up, psychosocial support, accessibility, employment, caregiver support, and data-driven quality development. Inclusion was defined as a cross-cutting principle integrated across all fields through measures addressing barriers, strengthening capabilities, and supporting participation. Each field includes specific goals and measures. Early implementation follows annual prioritization cycles, with selected measures further developed through dedicated working groups. Conclusions: This article shows that a national strategy can originate through a participatory, bottom-up approach and translate shared priorities into a governance framework designed to support implementation. It may inform similar efforts in other countries.
SN - 2673-6861
ER -