New NIISQ-funded research aims to improve mental health services for kids with brain and spinal cord injuries 

A new research project with collaboration partner, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, funded by NIISQ is seeking to improve mental health services for kids with brain and spinal cord injuries. 

The project will establish a virtual clinician community of practice: ‘Supporting mental health and Adjustment during Recovery after Brain and Spinal Cord Injury in Kids and Youths’ (known as SPARKY). 

SPARKY is a collaborative tele-mentoring network. The platform will provide learning and support to community clinicians to help provide evidence-based mental health management strategies. The project aims to increase clinician’s knowledge, self-efficacy and confidence in providing mental health services for children and youths with brain and spinal cord injuries, and their families. 

It will be the first mental health mentoring network for this unique cohort and will be provided to community clinicians across Queensland including rural and remote areas. 

The project is led by Professor Karen Barlow, Chair of Paediatric Rehabilitation at Child Health Research Centre. Over the next three years, the team plans to determine usability and sustainability of this collaborative clinical network.