PATIENT EDUCATION GUIDE RECEIVES FAVORABLE REVIEW
Maria J. Amador, RN, CRRN • Charles M. Lynne, MD • Nancy L. Brackett, PhD

Over the last ten years, Nancy Brackett, PhD and Charles M. Lynne, MD have gained expertise in male fertility following SCI by conducting studies to characterize the impairments in semen quality experienced by men with SCI. Maria Amador, RN, CRRN has been a member of this research team since its inception and taken responsibility for subject recruitment, education, and providing nursing care during laboratory visits. Their research results have lead to a new focus on the biochemical changes that cause impaired semen quality. To answer the need for lay reader materials on this topic, these researchers teamed up to write a review of research in their field and to provide a comprehensive listing of fertility related services offered nationwide.

“A Guide and Resource Directory to Male Fertility following Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction” serves as an example of how knowledge gained through research and communicated to the lay public can make a difference in the quality of life of an individual affected by SCI. With funding from the PVA Education and Training Foundation, the authors’ goal in writing this Guide was to present current and reliable information based on research findings. The Guide summarizes treatments available to overcome infertility and discusses the progress toward finding the cause of infertility in men with SCI. It has become clear that this publication is fulfilling a critical need for information on this topic. Since its release in September 2000, more than 2,500 copies have been distributed to individuals with SCI, rehabilitation personnel and centers throughout the United States. An equal number of copies have been downloaded from the Miami Project’s website.