The impacts of the model SCI system: historical perspective.

BACKGROUND

The Model Spinal Cord Injury System (MSCIS) program, which began in 1 970, has had a positive impact on the health and well being of thousands of individuals with disabilities. Not only has the program been instrumental in improving the delivery of services for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), but also MSCIS is acknowledged as a leader in the advancement of science and practice in SCI rehabilitation. MSCIS is funded by grants awarded in 5-year cycles by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. In the current cycle (2000-2005), 1 6 SCI programs received funding as "model systems."

SUMMARY

This series (1) describes the impact of the MSCIS since its inception; (2) reviews the national, multicenter data collection effort and its effects on the field; (3) reviews the initial goals and objectives of current research projects, and (4) forecasts the impact of current work on the field of SCI medicine. This introductory article provides an overview for this special section, as well as a brief synopsis of the history of the MSCIS program.