Exploring Facilitators of Regaining Autonomy in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study

Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 2021 · DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.IJNMR_25_20 · Published: March 5, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores the experiences of individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in regaining their independence as they move from hospital care back into their communities. The research identifies key factors that help these individuals regain their autonomy, focusing on personal strategies, support systems, access to resources, and spiritual beliefs. The study involved in-depth interviews with 15 people with SCI in Iran, analyzing their experiences to find common themes related to regaining autonomy. These themes are grouped into categories such as self-management, social support, access to facilities, and spiritual beliefs. The findings highlight the importance of considering these factors when helping individuals with SCI transition back into their communities. Healthcare providers can use this information to better support these individuals in regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.

Study Duration

June 2018 to May 2019

Participants

15 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Self-management behaviors, including adaptation to a new life, self-care, responsibility, and seeking information, significantly impact the daily activities and autonomy of individuals with SCI.
2
Social support from family, friends, healthcare providers, and peers plays a crucial role in helping individuals with SCI regain their autonomy by providing emotional support, information, and motivation.
3
Access to facilities and resources, such as home modification, rehabilitation techniques, and mobility equipment, greatly aids individuals with SCI in regaining their independence and reducing their dependence on others.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored the experiences of individuals with SCI regarding facilitators of regaining autonomy during transition from hospital to community. Data analysis emerged four core categories of “self‑management” (adaptation to a new life, self‑care, responsibility, and seeking information), “social support” (family and friends’ support, health care providers’ support, and peer support), “access to facilities and resources” (home modification, use of various rehabilitation techniques, and use of mobility equipment), and “spiritual and religious beliefs” (believing in divine destiny and performance of religious rites). The present study showed that several factors influenced the regaining of autonomy in individuals with SCI. It is important to consider the impact of these factors during transition from hospital to community.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Program Design

Rehabilitation programs should incorporate strategies to strengthen individual self-management skills, enhance social support networks, address spiritual needs, and ensure access to necessary facilities and resources.

Healthcare Provider Education

Healthcare providers need to be educated about the multifaceted factors influencing autonomy in individuals with SCI to provide holistic and effective support during the transition from hospital to community.

Policy and Resource Allocation

Policymakers should prioritize resource allocation to improve access to rehabilitation facilities, mobility equipment, and home modification services for individuals with SCI to facilitate their independence and community participation.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in a specific sociocultural context (Iran), which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
2
The study did not explore the experiences of health professionals involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with SCI.
3
The sample size of 15 participants may not fully represent the diversity of experiences among individuals with SCI.

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