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SCI/TBI Advisory Council Meeting February 2, 2007 Teleconference
Call began at 12:15 P.M. with Council Members Mary Pat Forsberg, Barry Timms, Grady Kickul, Chris Olson and Leo Hallan. Also in attendance was Dr. John Koch, Valerie Westrum, We were joined by Dr. Peter Johnson and Maria Klamm from the Sioux Valley Rehabilitation Unit for continued review of their planning grant application at 12:30 P.M..
John updated the Council on USD senior administration’s discussions with the Governor’s Budget Office regarding an extension of the Executive Order for the sitting Council. There is general concurrence that the Council should be maintained until remaining funds are dispersed, but formal action has not been taken. This could mean an extension into the first part of 2008. Grady indicated that this is a substantial step forward.
Dr. Peter Johnson and Maria Klamm joined the call and were greeted with an introduction of the members present on the call.
Leo asked if the first month purchase, training and IRB approval time frame is feasible. Dr. Johnson indicated they plan to discuss the study with the IRB this month, and that he was optimistic for approval but the protocol has not been submitted. Maria interjected that the occupational therapists involved are trained. John noted that this project (given the personnel involved and the location of the work) would assuredly need to go through the Sioux Valley IRB and they have in the past been quite efficient in getting such review accomplished.
Barry asked about the patient selection process. Dr. Johnson said that 4 machines will be purchased; 2 large left and right-handed, 2 small left and right-handed. Men and women will participate in 2 phases; inpatient and outpatient. Maria added that over a 2 year period there have been 23 in patients in addition to previously treated outpatients returning for further therapy.
Dr. Johnson said that there is patient interest. The procedure is not Medicare approved and not covered by health insurance. He is looking at this becoming a standard treatment.
Barry asked about training on the equipment. Training will be provided by the manufacturer to the occupational therapists. Grady asked if the IRB approval, purchase of equipment and training could be accomplished in 30 days. Maria answered that they would be ready for that. Chris likes the timeline.
Dr. Johnson said that the procedure stimulates the neuromuscular tissues and send input to the brain and spinal cord.
Barry suggested checking the Ness web site for other hospitals testing the procedure.
Maria responded that the only testing has been done in Texas on stroke patients, but was not used for spinal cord/traumatic brain injury instances. The Texas hospital was pleased with the results in their stroke patients. The only prior research was done by the manufacture on 7 patients with successful results.
The Council expressed thanks to Dr. Johnson and Maria Klamm for explaining the need for the grant and requested feedback on the process. Dr. Johnson agreed and expressed appreciation to the Council for their consideration and work put into this process.
After some discussion on the Executive Committee monitoring the IRB process and extending the timeline for a full 12 month period, Barry made a motion to approve funding upon IRB approval. Chris seconded the motion.
Barry commented that this is a first for the state of South Dakota. Leo added that this grant along with the 2 grants previously approved should be publicized. It was decided that the administrative office of the Council would prepare any press releases and send to the Governor’s new press secretary, Mitch Krebbs, for his department’s approval.
The next meeting is scheduled at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 9, 2007, Room 333 at the Health Science Center in Sioux Falls. Consultation with absent Council members to confirm availability will be undertaken.
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 P.M.
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