A Mixed Methods Approach as a Channel to Interpret Outcomes Research and Lived Experience Enquiry of Upper Extremity Elective Surgery for Tetraplegia

J. Pers. Med., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030394 · Published: February 23, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Surgery Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This research explores the experiences of individuals with tetraplegia considering upper extremity surgery, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to integrate clinical data with lived experience. The study emphasizes the importance of considering cognitive demands, peer involvement, and interdependence in the decision-making process for surgery. The findings suggest that clinicians should be mindful of the individual's life goals and the broader impact of tetraplegia when assessing candidates for upper extremity surgery.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals considering UE surgery

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Individuals with tetraplegia may have changing priorities after injury, with a greater emphasis on independence for newly injured individuals.
2
Upper extremity surgery can be more cognitively demanding than previously reported, with individuals often overwhelmed by post-acute rehabilitation requirements.
3
Peers with spinal cord injuries are enormously influential in decision-making processes and are under-utilized in hand clinic service delivery.

Research Summary

This paper reports the data convergence process and results using a complementary method of analysis. Notably, while mobility, self-care and environmental inﬂuences dominated, it was only through the interview narrative data that the extent of Mental Function demands were revealed. By synthesizing the data generated from the three studies, we have presented a more reﬁned consideration of the disablement of tetraplegia while navigating UE elective surgery.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Shared Care Planning

Further investigation is needed into the relational aspects of UE surgery and life with tetraplegia to enhance shared care planning and service delivery.

Improved Person-Centeredness

Highly specialized UE surgery teams need to improve person-centeredness of their assessment, measurement and goal setting processes.

Cultural Sensitivity

Clinicians should proceed with caution and remain mindful of cultural disparities, competing interests and daily challenges for newly injured individuals with tetraplegia.

Study Limitations

1
The study design and data collection methods are not fully described in the abstract.
2
Details on the specific outcome measures and their sensitivity to change are limited.
3
Further research is needed to fully understand the relational aspects of UE surgery and life with tetraplegia.

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