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Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada.

IntroductionFalls are a concern for wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). Falls can negatively impact the physical and psychological well-being of fallers. To date, the perspectives of wheelchair users with lived experiences of SCI on the contributors to falls has been understudied. Information about factors that influence fall risk would guide the development of effective fall prevention strategies.ObjectivesTo gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influenced the risk of falling as perceived by wheelchair users with SCI.DesignA qualitative study using photo-elicitation interviews.SettingA Canadian SCI rehabilitation hospital and the participants’ home/community environments.ParticipantsTwelve wheelchair users living in the community with chronic SCI.MethodsParticipants captured photographs of situations, places or things that they perceived increased and decreased their risk of falling. Semistructured photo-elicitation interviews were conducted to discuss the content of the photographs and explore perceptions of fall risk factors. A hybrid thematic analysis and the Biological, Behavioural, Social, Economic, and Environmental model were used as a framework to organise/synthesise the data.ResultsOverall, the findings indicated that the risk of falling was individualised, complex and dynamic to each person’s life situation. Four main themes were revealed in our analysis: (1) Falls and fall risk caused by multiple interacting factors; (2) Dynamic nature of fall risk; (3) Single factors were targeted to reduce falls and fall-related injuries; and (4) Fall prevention experiences and priorities.ConclusionsEach wheelchair user encountered numerous fall risk factors in their everyday lives. Information from this study can be used to set priorities for fall prevention. Fall prevention initiatives should consider a wheelchair user’s fall risks in a holistic manner, acknowledging that a person’s current situation, as well as anticipating their fall risks and fall prevention needs, will change over time.

Purpose: This article reveals MPT practicum participant perceptions of the impact that a community-based practicum in a Métis community had on their learning in the area of cultural humility and cultural safety. Method: The impact of this community-based practicum intervention in a Métis community on MPT student education was explored using phenomenological descriptive methodology, with data gathered via exit interviews conducted on completion of the community-based practicum. Concepts of cultural humility and safety from the literature, along with themes emerging from practicum participant interviews, informed the analysis and theme development. Results: Participants' experiences were categorized into three themes: (1) realizing Métis community strengths; (2) learning from experiences and shaping future practice; and (3) prioritizing relationships. Findings support that participants demonstrated the practice of cultural humility as a result of engaging in the community-based practicum. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of (1) community engagement, (2) community-informed practicum design based on strong relationships, (3) a backbone of reflective practice, and (4) a base of community and student readiness to support practicum success. These essential elements support a cultural humility approach to implementing MPT practicums in Indigenous communities, as well as a practice in reconciliation.

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