Consumer-Professional Partnership Program (CPPP)

Why are we developing the CPPP?

Many people with disabilities feel that health care providers do not have sufficient information about what it means to live with a disability. Comments like "my doctor does not really understand what it takes me to transfer to his exam table" or "they do not really communicate with me" are fairly common. At the same time, many physicians and health care professionals feel pressured for time, and do not understand why their best efforts are not more appreciated by people with disabilities. The CPPP seeks to improve the dialog between consumers with disabilities and health care professionals. It will provide an opportunity for health care professionals to learn more about the lives of people with disabilities. The CPPP will also utilize a consumer perspective to inform and teach about strategies to prevent common medical complications and secondary conditions after SCI. While specifically trained Spinal Cord Injury or SCI Educators will share the personal side of living with a disability and provide information about the support needs but also abilities and strengths of consumers, health care professionals will have an opportunity to review clinical practice patterns, and to develop new ideas and approaches in the interaction of people with disabilities.

For more information, please contact

Suzanne L. Groah, MD 202-877-1196 or by e-mail Suzanne.L.Groah@medstar.net