Model Systems Program

Purpose

NIDILRR’s Model Systems programs in spinal cord injury (SCIMS), traumatic brain injury (TBIMS), and burn injury (BMS) provide coordinated systems of rehabilitation care and conduct research on recovery and long-term outcomes. In addition, these centers serve as platforms for collaborative, multi-site research, including research on interventions using randomized controlled approaches. The programs also track Model Systems patients over time in large databases.

How to Apply

• Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations and/or agencies.

• View a list of NIDILRR funding opportunities and application kits. Note: After clicking this link, all of NIDILRR’s funding opportunities for all of its grant programs are displayed. To limit the funding opportunities to Burn Model System Centers, type “burn” in the Keyword(s) text box. Then hit the “search button”.  For Spinal Cord Injury Model System funding opportunities type “sci” in the Keyword(s) text box. And for Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, type “tbi” in the Keyword(s) text box. 

• As a rough guideline, check the preceding link between October and April every year.

• View the Guide to Applying for some helpful application tips.

Highlights

• View A List of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System Centers and the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). 

• View A List of  Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Centers and the  Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems’ National Data and Statistical Center 

• View A List of Burn Model System Centers and the National Data and Statistical Center for the Burn Model Systems. 

• A Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center: The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) website is an online  gateway to a variety of resources for a variety of stakeholders concerned about  spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and burn injury (Burn).  This center also summarizes research, identifies health information needs, and develops information resources to support the Model Systems programs in meeting the needs of individuals who make  up these three populations.   

• The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center is also committed to developing information products that matter by: (1) Ensuring stakeholder involvement drives their content; and (2) Using Plain Language.  The documents below reflect the commitment to these principles.  

  • Testing Fact Sheets With Consumers 
  • Writing and Testing Plain Language 
  • Writing Fact Sheets That Patients Can Read and Use 

   

• The Model Systems produce many publications. Sample full-text publications produced by the model systems are presented below.  

  • A list of full-text publications produced by the SCI Model Systems' grantees.
  • A list of full-text publications produced by the TBI Model Systems' grantees.
  • A list of full-text publications produced by the Burn Model Systems' grantees.
  • “Living Well” After Burn Injury: Using Case Reports to Illustrate Significant Contributions From the Burn Model System Research Program 
  • Thirty years of National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Centers research – an update 

   

• 13-minute video story, told by Dr. Michael Boninger of the University of Pittsburgh Spinal Cord Injury Model System and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center:  This story is the story of Jamie and it  shows the difference the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems’ made in her life. The beginning of the story starts at  this time-stamp  and ends at this time stamp. Note:  This video story was part of the 40-year anniversary celebration of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. View Parts 1 and 2 of the entire event. 

Contact

Contact Cate Miller at NIDILRR if you have questions about the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems.

Contact Amanda Reichard at NIDILRR if you have questions about the Burn Model Systems.

Contact Brian Bard at NIDILRR if you have questions about the Spinal Cord Injuury Model Systems.

Contact Kenneth Wood at NIDILRR if you have questions about the Model Systems' National Data Centers.