Effect of the <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 pandemic on individuals with spinal cord injury: Mental health and use of telehealth

INTRODUCTION: Limited access to health care services and the self-isolation measures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have had additional unintended negative effects, affecting the health of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVES: To examine the perceived influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with SCI. First, this study looked to understand how the pandemic affected the use and perception of telehealth services for these individuals. Second, it investigated the effect of COVID-19 on mental health. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. SETTING: Individuals with SCI living in the community in British Columbia, Canada. PATIENTS: This survey was offered to individuals with SCI and had 71 respondents, with 34% living in a rural setting and 66% in an…