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  4. A qualitative photo-elicitation study exploring the impact of falls and fall risk on individuals with subacute spinal cord injury

A qualitative photo-elicitation study exploring the impact of falls and fall risk on individuals with subacute spinal cord injury

PLoS ONE, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269660 · Published: June 7, 2022

Spinal Cord InjuryAgingRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how falls and the fear of falling affect people with spinal cord injuries in the early stages of recovery, as they move from the hospital to living at home. The researchers used photos taken by the participants to help them understand their experiences and challenges related to falls. The study found that falls and the fear of falling can significantly impact a person's life after a spinal cord injury, affecting their activities, emotions, and independence.

Study Duration
6 Months
Participants
8 individuals with subacute SCI/D (7 male, 1 female)
Evidence Level
Qualitative photo-elicitation study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Participants identified their own risk factors for falls through personal experiences, often learning through trial and error.
  • 2
    Prior experiences with falls, either their own or those of friends and family, greatly influenced how they perceived their risk of falling.
  • 3
    Increased fall risk led to reduced participation in activities, increased negative emotions, and decreased independence and overall quality of life.

Research Summary

This study explored the impact of falls and fall risk on individuals with subacute SCI/D as they transitioned from inpatient rehabilitation to community living. Four main themes were revealed: risk factors and strategies identified through lived experience; influences on the individual’s perception of their fall risk; experiencing life differently due to increased fall risk; and falls training in rehabilitation can be improved. Participants discovered their fall risk factors and fall prevention strategies through lived experience with falls, which included falls experienced by themselves as well as friends and family.

Practical Implications

Improved Fall Prevention Training

Fall prevention training should be comprehensive and individualized, addressing the specific needs and circumstances of each person with SCI/D.

Community Accessibility Advocacy

Individuals with SCI/D should be empowered with advocacy skills to address environmental hazards and promote accessibility in their communities.

Ongoing Support and Education

Fall prevention education and training should continue beyond outpatient rehabilitation, with regular follow-ups to address changing needs and circumstances.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Small sample size (8 participants).
  • 2
    Majority of participants were male (7 out of 8).
  • 3
    All participants experienced non-traumatic SCI/D.

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