Qualitative evaluation of a Community Peer Support Service for people with spinal cord injury

Haas, Bernhard; Price, Linda; Freeman, Jenny

doi:10.1038/sc.2012.143

Cited by 57 publications

(70 citation statements)

References 22 publications

(33 reference statements)

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“…Learning from peers has been described as vital in the context of rehabilitation [38] and peer support, along with social support in general, has been shown to be a key factor in the adjustments for living with a SCI [39]. Haas and colleagues [40] determined that the main benefits of a community peer support service for individuals with SCI were the psychological and emotional support by a person with a SCI, advice on living with a SCI, practical advice and information, and ongoing support and friendship. These findings are consistent with those of the current study as well as the findings of other studies in SCI, which have reported the value of non-specific psychological and emotional support through the input of a peer mentor [39,41].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative descriptive study

et al. 2014

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BackgroundCurrent evidence has suggested the need for increased self-management support efforts in spinal cord injury (SCI) to reduce secondary complications. However, current self-management programs may not be suitable for the unique needs of individuals with SCI, including reduced mobility and the importance of attendant care. There is a need for greater understanding of the self-management strategies adopted by individuals with SCI and the potential need for a tailored self-management program. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to understand the perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management to prevent secondary complications.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was used and involved telephone interviews. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with traumatic SCI, their family members/caregivers, and managers from acute care/trauma and rehabilitation centres. Participants were recruited between September 2011 and May 2012. Analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis to understand the perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management to prevent secondary complications.ResultsA total of 26 interviews were conducted and they included 7 individuals with traumatic SCI, 7 family/caregivers (i.e., 7 SCI-caregiver dyads), and 12 acute care/rehabilitation managers from across the province of Ontario. The following five facilitators to self-management were identified: physical support from the caregiver, emotional support from the caregiver, peer support and feedback, importance of positive outlook and acceptance, and maintaining independence/control over care. The following five barriers to self-management were identified: caregiver burnout, funding and funding policies, lack of accessibility, physical limitations and secondary complications, and difficulties achieving positive outlook or mood.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the caregiver and the individual’s own mood/outlook, among other facilitators and barriers, make significant contributions to the self-management of individuals with traumatic SCI. The issues of timing/readiness and comorbidities and aging were observed across many of these themes. As such, the development of a tailored self-management program for individuals with traumatic SCI and their caregivers should incorporate these considerations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative descriptive study

et al. 2014

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“…Perspective appeared to be separate from spirituality or faith in that the participants' statements did not refer to a higher power or ability to find meaning in their injury from a religious or spiritual standpoint. In addition, while peer support has been shown to promote adjustment to SCI, 18,19 to our knowledge the literature is limited in exploring outcomes associated with being a role model or inspiring others specifically in the SCI community. Further research is warranted to explore these constructs and their relation to an individual's ability to overcome adversity and adapt to SCI.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Resilience following spinal cord injury: a phenomenological view

et al. 2014

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Study design: Qualitative research design involving semi-structured focus groups. Objectives: To increase current understanding of how persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) define resilience and what factors contribute to their resilience or the resilience of others. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation program in a large urban city in the Southwestern United States. Methods: A convenience sample of 28 participants (14 current patients; 14 former patients) participated in semi-structured focus groups led by the research investigators. Results: Through a constant comparative analysis of the data, six themes emerged in participants' responses regarding what they believed contributed to their own resilience in adapting to SCI. The six themes included psychological strength, social support, perspective, adaptive coping, spirituality or faith, and serving as a role model or inspiring others. Conclusion: Consistent with previous research findings, individuals with SCI identified positive thinking (for example, optimism, hope and positive attitude), perseverance and determination, and social support from friends and family as important contributors to their ability to adapt in spite of experiencing traumatic events that resulted in SCI. INTRODUCTIONTraumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) present serious public health and quality of life concerns. Costs associated with SCI are estimated at US$9.7 billion annually, with average yearly expenses per individual ranging from $508 904 to $1 044 197 in the first year following injury, and from $67 415 to $181 328 each subsequent year. 1 SCI can result from an array of issues that affect physical, psychological and social functioning, which is reflected in the high cost of health-related services. Individuals who acquire an SCI experience numerous associated and chronic conditions (for example, spasticity, heart disease) and secondary complications (for example, pressure sores, chronic pain). Depression is a significant secondary complication for B30% of individuals with SCI, which often impacts physical health. 2 In turn, depression has been associated with frequency of pressure sores, 3 urinary tract infections, spending more time in bed and longer hospital stays. 4 Given the interaction between psychological and physical health, an understanding of psychosocial functioning in the SCI population is essential. Despite an emphasis in the literature on less adaptive psychological outcomes following SCI, recent research shows that B60% of individuals who acquire SCI are not in fact depressed. 2 Recent research also demonstrates that many individuals with SCI report moderate to very high resilience and a strong sense of self-efficacy. 5 Recently, investigators have begun to explore the association between resilience and adaptation to traumatic injuries (and

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“…17,18 In this study, peer support seemed to influence those who were making decisions about SPC. It is likely that our participants did not receive adequate information and support when they were asked to consider SPC.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors influencing bladder management in male patients with spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

Engkasan

Low

2013

Spinal Cord

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Study design: Qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing the choice of bladder management for male patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: Public hospitals in Malaysia. Methods: Semistructured (one-on-one) interviews of 17 patients with SCI; 7 were in-patients with a recent injury and 10 lived in the community. All had a neurogenic bladder and were on various methods of bladder drainage. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analyses. Results: The choice of bladder management was influenced by treatment attributes, patients' physical and psychological attributes, health practitioners' influences and social attributes. Participants were more likely to choose a treatment option that was perceived to be convenient to execute and helped maintain continence. The influence of potential treatment complications on decision making was more variable. Health professionals' and peers' opinions on treatment options had a significant influence on participants' decision. In addition, patients' choices depended on their physical ability to carry out the task, the level of family support received and the anticipated level of social activities. Psychological factors such as embarrassment with using urine bags, confidence in self-catheterization and satisfaction with the current method also influenced the choice of bladder management method. Conclusion: The choice of bladder management in people with SCI is influenced by a variety of factors and must be individualized. Health professionals should consider these factors when supporting patients in making decisions about their treatment options.

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Qualitative evaluation of a Community Peer Support Service for people with spinal cord injury

Cited by 57 publications

References 22 publications

Perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative descriptive study

Perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative descriptive study

Resilience following spinal cord injury: a phenomenological view

Factors influencing bladder management in male patients with spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

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