Provider Adherence to Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Neurogenic Bowel in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have been published on a number of topics in spinal cord injury (SCI) medicine. Research in the general medical literature shows that the distribution of CPGs has a minimal effect on physician practice without targeted implementation strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine (a) whether dissemination of an SCI CPG improved the likelihood that patients would receive CPG recommended care and (b) whether adherence to CPG recommendations could be improved through a targeted implementation strategy. Specifically, this study addressed the " Neurogenic Bowel Management in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury" Clinical Practice Guideline published in March 1998 by the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine

Methods: CPG adherence was determined from medical record review at 6 Veterans Affairs SCI centers for 3 time periods: before guideline publication (T1 ), after guideline publication but before CPG implementation (T2), and after targeted CPG implementation (T3). Specific implementation strategies to enhance guideline adherence were chosen to address the barriers identified by SCI providers in focus groups before the intervention.

Results: Overall adherence to recommendations related to neurogenic bowel did not change between T1 and T2 (P = not significant) but increased significantly between T2 and T3 (P < 0.001) for 3 of 6 guideline recommendations. For the other 3 guideline recommendations, adherence rates were noted to be high at T1.

Conclusions: While publication of the CPG alone did not alter rates of provider adherence, the use of a targeted implementation plan resulted in increases in adherence rates with some (3 of 6) CPG recommendations for neurogenic bowel management.     

Implementation of clinical practice guidelines for prevention of thromboembolism in spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether publication of the "Prevention of Thromboembolism in Spinal Cord Injury" clinical practice guideline (CPG) changed patient management and whether adherence to CPG recommendations improved after a targeted implementation strategy. METHODS: Data were abstracted from medical records of 134 and 520 patients with acute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), respectively, from 6 Veterans Affairs medical centers over 3 time periods: prepublication (T1), preimplementation (T2), and postimplementation (T3) of the CPG. Targeted interventions were developed to address provider-perceived barriers to guideline adherence, based on findings from focus groups conducted at each site. The interventions incorporated two implementation strategies: standardized documentation templates/standing orders and social marketing/outreach visits. RESULTS: Use of the specified duration for pharmacologic prophylaxis increased from 60% to 65% to 75% of patients with acute SCI in T1, T2, and T3, respectively (P = 0.060 and 0.041 for T1 vs T2 and T2 vs T3, respectively). Rates of use for individual pharmacologic prophylaxis agents changed significantly over the course of the study, with use of low-molecular-weight heparin increasing from 7% in T1 to 42% in T3. Physical assessments for thrombosis on hospitalization days 1 and 30 improved between T2 and T3. Use of prophylaxis in chronically injured patients with new risk factors for thromboembolism increased from 16% to 31% to 34% during T1, T2, and T3 (P = 0.001 and 0.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The CPG publication had only a modest effect on practice. Use of structured implementation further increased the adherence to some CPG recommendations for thromboembolism prophylaxis. Similar implementation strategies should be considered for CPG recommendations with low adherence and high potential for morbidity and mortality.     

Spinal cord injury providers' perceptions of barriers to implementing selected clinical practice guideline recommendations

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Twelve focus groups were conducted at 6 Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Centers. The purpose of these focus groups was to identify provider-perceived barriers to implementing selected recommendations of two clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)--Prevention of Thromboembolism in Spinal Cord Injury and Management of Neurogenic Bowel in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury--at their sites. METHODS: A total of 75 SCI direct-care staff (including physicians, nurses, dieticians, rehabilitation therapists, psychologists, and social workers) participated in the focus groups, which were conducted by trained focus group facilitators. Woolfs framework was used to classify perceived barriers into 1 of 4 categories: (a) lack of knowledge, (b) lack of agreement, (c) lack of ability, or (d) lack of systematic reminders for implementation. The "lack of ability" category was further expanded to reflect which specific aspect of the environment was seen as the obstacle: (a) patient, (b) provider, (c) SCI unit, (d) hospital or medical center, or (e) non-Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital setting. RESULTS: Providers disagreed with the recommendation to reinstitute prophylaxis in patients with nonacute SCI to prevent deep vein thrombosis and identified a number of system-level problems with providing appropriate prophylaxis. Providers identified patient reluctance to changing their bowel programs and difficulties in documenting changes in the patients' bowel program as obstacles to implementing the neurogenic bowel CPG. CONCLUSION: Based on this feedback, interventions were developed to address provider-perceived barriers. These interventions were implemented at 6 Veterans Affairs SCI Centers.     

Spinal Cord Injury Providers’ Perceptions Of Barriers To Implementing Selected Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations

Abstract

Background/Objective: Twelve focus groups were conducted at 6 Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Centers. The purpose of these focus groups was to identify provider-perceived barriers to implementing selected recommendations of two clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)-Prevention of Thromboembolism in Spinal Cord Injury and Management of Neurogenic Bowel in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury-at their sites.

Methods: A total of 75 SCI direct-care staff (including physicians, nurses, dieticians, rehabilitation therapists, psychologists, and social workers) participated in the focus groups, which were conducted by trained focus group facilitators. Woolfs framework was used to classify perceived barriers into 1 of 4 categories: (a) lack of knowledge, (b) lack of agreement, (c) lack of ability, or (d) lack of systematic reminders for implementation. The "lack of ability" category was further expanded to reflect which specific aspect of the environment was seen as the obstacle: (a) patient, (b) provider, (c) SCI unit, (d) hospital or medical center, or (e) non-Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital setting.

Results: Providers disagreed with the recommendation to reinstitute prophylaxis in patients with nona cute SCI to prevent deep vein thrombosis and identified a number of system-level problems with providing appropriate prophylaxis. Providers identified patient reluctance to changing their bowel programs and difficulties in documenting changes in the patients' bowel program as obstacles to implementing the neurogenic bowel CPG.

Conclusion: Based on this feedback, interventions were developed to address provider-perceived barriers. These interventions were implemented at 6 Veterans Affairs SCI Centers.

J Spinal Cord Med. 2003;26:48-58     

Breast Cancer Guidelines in Canada: A Review of Development and Implementation

A series of specific clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were published in Canada in 1998. A primary objective of these 'Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care and Treatment of Breast Cancer' was to decrease the variation in breast cancer care across the country. Prior to this, researchers found moderate compliance with consensus recommendations for breast cancer therapies in several Canadian provinces. However, a recent study concluded that the publication of the Canadian CPGs did not reduce variations in surgical care for breast cancer. If guidelines are to achieve their intended objectives, they must be implemented in ways that support, encourage, and facilitate their use. Evidence strongly suggests the simple publication and passive dissemination of CPGs are usually ineffective in changing how physicians actually care for patients. CPG implementation, therefore, requires active knowledge translation processes to ensure that the evidence is relevant to all with a stake in bettering breast cancer care. For example, implementation strategies that use computerized CPGs can make evidence-based decision-making routine practice in the clinical setting. The breast cancer community can also work with the newly formed Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to find ways to more successfully support and facilitate guideline use considering the local context.     

A reporting quality evaluation of the clinical practice guidelines for bladder cancer based on the RIGHT checklist

BackgroundThe Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) checklist was developed to improve the reporting quality in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). CPGs could provide the recommendations for key clinical issues with alternative care options and adherence to them could improve the outcomes. And, high reporting quality CPGs can assist health workers to incorporate the best evidence into the individual practice. There is no evaluation study on the reporting quality of CPGs in bladder cancer (BLCA). This study assessed the reporting quality of CPGs on BLCA and provided new insights for the development of CPGs in this disease.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in multiple literature databases, including PubMed, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and China Biology Medicine (CBM) as well as the medical associations and websites of guideline development organizations. Relevant CPGs published between January 2017 and December 2021 were identified. Four trained investigators independently screened the extracted documents to include all eligible CPGs and evaluated whether the items in the RIGHT checklist were reported in each CPG. Subsequently, the reporting rate of each CPG and item, as well as the mean reporting rate of each domain in the RIGHT checklist was calculated.ResultsA total of 23 CPGs related to BLCA were finally included, of which, 22 guidelines were written in English and 1 was published in Chinese. The mean reporting rate of the included CPGs was approximately 65%. The reporting rates of the items in each RIGHT domain were 77% for basic information domain, 75% for recommendations domain, 72% for evidence domain, 69% for background domain, 43% for funding and declaration and management of interest domain, 35% for review and quality assurance domain, and 41% for other information domain. The reporting rate was determined as the mean value in Office Excel 2019.ConclusionsThe reporting quality of BLCA CPGs related to the domains of funding and declaration and management of interest domain, review and quality assurance domain, and other information domain is poor and warrants improvement in the future.     

Referral and treatment rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer before and after publication of a clinical practice guideline

Introduction:

The objective of this study was to compare referral and treatment rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer before and after publication of a clinical practice guideline.

Methods:

This was a retrospective comparative cohort study of 236 patients diagnosed with clinical stage ≥ T2 bladder cancer in Alberta, Canada. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the time of diagnosis relative to the publication of the Alberta Genitourinary Oncology Group Clinical Practice Guideline on Bladder Cancer (CPG), which recommends cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive disease. The pre-CPG group included patients (n = 129) diagnosed prior to publication of the CPG (November 1, 2002 to October 31, 2004, inclusively). The post-CPG group included patients (n = 107) diagnosed after publication of the CPG (November 1, 2005 to October 31, 2007). There was an accrual blackout period of 6 months before and after the CPG release date. The primary analysis compared the two groups with respect to neoadjuvant chemotherapy referral rates, treatment-offered rates and treatment-administered rates.

Results:

Referral to medical oncology regarding neoadjuvant chemotherapy occurred in 2.3% and 23.4% of patients in the pre- and post-CPG groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was offered to 0.8% and 18.7% of patients in the pre- and post-CPG groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 0.8% and 14.0% of patients in the pre- and post-CPG groups, respectively (p < 0.01).

Interpretation:

Neoadjuvant referral and treatment rates increased after publication of the CPG. However, overall referral and treatment rates remained low, which warrants additional exploration.     

International standards to document remaining autonomic function after spinal cord injury

Abstract

This is the first guideline describing the International Standards to document remaining Autonomic Function after Spinal Cord Injury (ISAFSCI). This guideline should be used as an adjunct to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) including the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), which documents the neurological examination of individuals with SCI. The Autonomic Standards Assessment Form is recommended to be completed during the evaluation of individuals with SCI, but is not a part of the ISNCSCI. A web-based training course (Autonomic Standards Training E Program (ASTeP)) is available to assist clinicians with understanding autonomic dysfunctions following SCI and with completion of the Autonomic Standards Assessment Form (www.ASIAlearningcenter.com).     

International standards to document remaining autonomic function after spinal cord injury

This is the first guideline describing the International Standards to document remaining Autonomic Function after Spinal Cord Injury (ISAFSCI). This guideline should be used as an adjunct to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) including the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), which documents the neurological examination of individuals with SCI. The Autonomic Standards Assessment Form is recommended to be completed during the evaluation of individuals with SCI, but is not a part of the ISNCSCI. A web-based training course (Autonomic Standards Training E Program (ASTeP)) is available to assist clinicians with understanding autonomic dysfunctions following SCI and with completion of the Autonomic Standards Assessment Form (www.ASIAlearningcenter.com).     

Understanding factors influencing venous leg ulcer guideline implementation in Australian primary care

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the venous leg ulcer (VLU) management in primary health care settings located in Melbourne metropolitan and rural Victoria, Australia. We explored health professionals' perspective on the use of the Australian and New Zealand Venous Leg Ulcer Clinical Practice Guideline (VLU CPG) to identify the main challenges of VLU CPG uptake in clinical practice. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 15 general practitioners (GPs) and 20 practice nurses (PNs), including two Aboriginal health nurses. The Theoretical Domains Framework guided data collection and analysis. Data were analysed using a theory‐driven analysis. We found a lack of awareness of the VLU CPGs, which resulted in suboptimal knowledge and limited adherence to evidence‐based recommendations. Environmental factors, such as busy nature of clinical environment and absence of handheld Doppler ultrasound, as well as social and professional identity factors, such as reliance on previous experience and colleague's advice, influenced the uptake of the VLU CPGs in primary care. Findings of this study will inform development of interventions to increase the uptake of the VLU CPG in primary care settings and to reduce the evidence‐practice gap in VLU management by health professionals.     

Clinical practice guidelines in end-stage renal disease: a strategy for implementation

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for end-stage renal failure (ESRD) were recently published, and represent a comprehensive review of available literature and the considered judgment of experts in ESRD. To prioritize and implement these guidelines, the evidence underlying each guideline should be ranked and the attributes of each should be defined. Strategies to improve practice patterns should be tested. Focused information for each high priority guideline should be disseminated, including a synopsis and assessment of the underlying evidence, the evidence model used to develop that guideline, and suggested strategies for CPG implementation. Clinical performance measures should be developed and used to measure current practice, and the success of changing practice patterns on clinical outcomes. Individual practitioners and dialysis facilities should be encouraged to utilize continuous quality improvement techniques to put the guidelines into effect. Local implementation should proceed at the same time as a national project to convert high priority CPGs into clinical performance measures proceeds. Patients and patient care organizations should participate in this process, and professional organizations must make a strong commitment to educate clinicians in the methodology of CPG and performance measure development and the techniques of continuous quality improvement. Health care regulators should understand that CPGs are not standards, but are statements that assist practitioners and patients in making decisions.     

Cancer evaluation in the assessment of solid organ transplant candidates: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines

Background

Active malignancies are a contraindication to transplantation, as immunosuppression can lead to worse cancer outcomes; therefore, ensuring transplant candidates are free of malignancy before transplantation is essential. This systematic review assesses the availability, quality, and consistency of recommended cancer evaluation prior to transplantation in Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the selection of solid organ transplant candidates.

Evaluation of cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infections in spinal cord injured patients with neurogenic bladder

Study Design:Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial with a crossover design.Objective:To evaluate cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI) in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients.Setting:Spinal Cord Injury Unit of a Veterans Administration Hospital, MA, USA.Methods:Subjects with spinal cord injury and documentation of neurogenic bladder were randomized to receive 6 months of cranberry extract tablet or placebo, followed by the alternate preparation for an additional 6 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of UTI.Results:Forty-seven subjects completed the trial. We found a reduction in the likelihood of UTI and symptoms for any month while receiving the cranberry tablet (P<0.05 for all). During the cranberry period, 6 subjects had 7 UTI, compared with 16 subjects and 21 UTI in the placebo period (P<0.05 for both number of subjects and incidence). The frequency of UTI was reduced to 0.3 UTI per year vs 1.0 UTI per year while receiving placebo. Subjects with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 75 ml min(-1) received the most benefit.Conclusion:Cranberry extract tablets should be considered for the prevention of UTI in SCI patients with neurogenic bladder. Patients with a high GFR may receive the most benefit.Sponsorship:Spinal Cord Research Foundation, sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaSpinal Cord (2008) 46, 622-626; doi:10.1038/sc.2008.25; published online 8 April 2008.     

The Use of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) to Evaluate Practice and Control Costs in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Management

Background

As a step toward maximizing the quality and cost-effectiveness of neurosurgical care, we designed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of VP shunt malfunctions and infections at a tertiary care pediatric teaching institution. The detailed CPGs determine the use of radiographic studies, laboratory tests, and invasive procedures in the management of this problem. One purpose of the CPGs is to provide clear clinical guidelines for the medical trainee, thereby reducing variability in care and unnecessary utilization of resources.

Methods

The CPGs were developed in stages over a 2-year period. The practice patterns in our institution for the management of shunt malfunctions and infections were articulated. They were compared with those published in the neurosurgical literature, and areas of clinical decision-making variability were identified. Preliminary guidelines were formulated, and data regarding patient care were prospectively collected. Based on this data, final CPGs were formulated and implemented. Total and itemized hospital charges for patients managed according to the CPGs were compared with those for patients in the 3 years before CPG implementation.

Results

CPG-managed patients had generally lower total and itemized charges as compared with control patients. Decreased charges per hospital day and charges for shunt films in the CPG group were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The process by which the CPGs were developed and implemented, as well as the CPGs themselves, are described. We also present the clinical, demographic, and financial data that were prospectively collected for all patients managed within the CPGs over an initial 1-year period and compare it with data obtained for control groups of shunt malfunction patients admitted during the 3 years before implementation of the CPGs. We find a trend toward reduction of charges after implementation of the CPG.     

Digital rectal stimulation as an intervention in persons with spinal cord injury and upper motor neuron neurogenic bowel. An evidenced-based systematic review of the literature

Context: Need for evidential support of practice guideline recommendations for management of neurogenic bowel management in adults with spinal cord injury.Objective: To determine evidence for digital rectal stimulation (DRS) as an intervention in the management of upper motor neuron neurogenic bowels (UMN-NB) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: A systematic review of the literature including research articles and practice guidelines evaluating upper motor neuron neurogenic bowel treatments and the use of digital rectal stimulation was performed using OvidMedline, PubMed and the Cochrane database and included research articles and practice guidelines. Limitations were made related to English language, patient age and focus on spinal cord injured patients. Strength of evidence was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing evidence-based practice model.Results: Eleven articles were included in the systematic review. Only one used DRS as a primary intervention. There was moderate evidence for DRS in persons with SCI and UMN-NB. There was evidence of the physiologic effect of DRS and support for combining DRS with other treatment regimens.Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to promote any one intervention for the management of UMN-NB. The promotion of DRS, and education as to the proper technique for DRS should remain an emphasis of education of home management of UMN-NB in persons with SCI. Future research should focus on the use of standardized, validated tools to evaluate management techniques for UMN-NB.     

Anorectal physiology following spinal cord injury

PURPOSE: Spinal cord injured (SCI) patients have delayed colonic motility and anorectal dysfunction resulting in functional obstruction and constipation. This may be caused by changes in descending modulation from the central or sympathetic nervous systems. Anorectal dyssynergy may demonstrate similarities to that seen in the bladder following SCI. METHODOLOGY: Anorectal manometry was performed on 37 SCI volunteers. Patterns of rectal and sphincter function were identified. These patterns were then compared with questionnaire answers on bowel function and cystometrograms to identify a relationship between detrusor dyssynergy and anal sphincter tone. RESULTS: Rectal compliance and basal resting sphincter pressures were lower than normal values. Ramp rectal inflation demonstrated patterns of sphincter activity similar to that recorded in the patients' cystometrograms. There is no definite relationship of bowel function to the findings on manometry in SCI patients. CONCLUSIONS: SCI patients have abnormal anorectal function. Anorectal manometry results were able to be classified into four patterns on the basis of rectal pressure and sphincter tone in response to rectal distention. The patterns of anorectal manometry seen were similar to those in cystometrograms, however there is no definite relationship to bowel dysfunction. Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 573 - 580.     

American Paraplegia Society 39th Annual Conference Las Vegas,Nevada, September 7–9, 1993 Abstracts of Platform and Poster Presentations

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impacts metabolic function and deranges various hormonal axes. Previous studies characterizing thyroid hormones in SCI reported depressed triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4), primarily in acute tetraplegia. These studies cited an 11–13 percent incidence of low T3 syndrome (LT3S) in SCI patients, with an increased incidence in tetraplegics (20–36 percent). The purpose of this study was to evaluate thyroid function and determine the incidence and clinical relevance of LT3S in the chronic SCI population. Thyroid function tests were performed on 30 chronic SCI patients (14 tetraplegics and 16 paraplegics) and 30 age-and gender-matched controls. Mean T3 and T4 levels were significantly depressed in SCI patients relative to controls, while T3 resin uptake (T3RU) values were significantly elevated. LT3S only occurred in the SCI population with an incidence of 23.3 percent. SCI patients with LT3S did not differ significantly from those without in the level or completeness of injury, age or the interval since injury. They did, however, have co-existent pathology: decubiti, urinary tract infections, etc. When SCI patients with normal T3 were compared with controls, they still had depressed mean T3 levels. We conclude that LT3S occurs frequently in the chronic SCI population and suggest that depressed serum T3 levels may predispose SCI patients to sick euthyroidism in the face of minor pathologic insult. (J Spinal Cord Med; 18:227–232)     

Clinical evaluation and management of neurogenic bowel after spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVES: To assess the state of the neurological bowel in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients, design and apply a program for the comprehensive management of neurogenic bowel and evaluate outcome. SETTING: Out-patient in a Rehabilitation Service. SUBJECTS: Thirty-eight SCI patients, 12 (32%) with complete lesions of more than 5 years duration. DESIGN: Observational, longitudinal and prospective. Pre and post intervention. METHOD: Pre and post SCI intestinal function was evaluated clinically prior to beginning program. The presence of GI symptoms were studied. Laboratory work-up included colonic transit time (CTT), anorectal manometry and recto-colonoscopy. An intestinal program was designed, in order to achieve an effective and efficient evacuation in a predictable and socially acceptable time, to avoid short and long term complications and eliminate inadequate intestinal evacuation habits. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre and post SCI difficulty in intestinal evacuation (DIE) was increased (from 2.6% to 26.3%). The most frequent GI symptom was abdominal distention (53%). Colonic inertia was present in 49% of CTT, internal anal sphincter pressure was normal or increased in 77% and rectoanal inhibitory reflex was present in 88%. With the intestinal program, the incidence of DIE was reduced to 8.8%, manual extraction (ME) was reduced from 53% to 37%. Excellent and good results were obtained in 56% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The proposed intestinal program is effective in the rehabilitation of SCI patients with neurogenic bowel. It is essential to initiate these physiological and safe procedures as soon as possible after sustaining the injury; this will lead to better results and to the elimination of inadequate intestinal maneuvering in the future Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 301 - 308.     

International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets

STUDY DESIGN: Discussion and development of final consensus. OBJECTIVE: Present the background, purpose, and process for the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Data Sets development. SETTING: International. METHODS: An international meeting on SCI data collection and analysis occurred at a workshop on May 2, 2002, before the combined meeting of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. At this meeting, a process was developed for selection of data elements to be included in International SCI Data Sets. RESULTS: An overall structure and terminology has been developed following the format of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This includes definitions of the Core Data Set, as well as Modules with Basic Questions or Data Sets and Expanded Data Sets. The Core Data Set has been developed and will be presented separately. Working groups for additional modules are being established as well as general guidelines for the development of the modules. CONCLUSION: The presented format should help in developing data sets and modules within various topics related to SCI.