Exploring the contextual transition from spinal cord injury rehabilitation to the home environment: a qualitative study

Spinal Cord, 2021 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00608-y · Published: February 9, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores how well skills learned in a spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation unit transfer to a person's home. It looks at individual and environmental factors affecting this transfer and how it fits into a meaningful life. The study involved in-depth interviews with 14 individuals with SCI in their homes, a few months after they were discharged from a rehabilitation unit. Researchers analyzed the interviews to understand their experiences. The transition from the SCI unit to home involves many changes. The ability to use skills learned in the unit is affected by balancing loss and acceptance, dealing with outside barriers, and the strength of social connections.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

14 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Level IV, Explorative qualitative study

Key Findings

1
Transition from a SCI unit to home involves a multidimensional change of context, impacting life roles and everyday activities.
2
Balancing loss and acceptance of one's condition significantly influences how meaningful daily life is perceived after SCI.
3
Maintaining strong social relationships acts as a mediator for skill transfer and re-establishing a meaningful life after SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated the transfer of skills and knowledge acquired in a spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation unit to the home environment. It aimed to identify individual and structural factors influencing this transfer and its impact on a meaningful everyday life. The study found that transitioning from the SCI unit to home involves a significant change of context, which influences the application of acquired skills. This change affects how individuals balance loss and acceptance, face external structural barriers, and rely on the strength of social relationships. The study concludes that maintaining relationships is crucial for transferring skills and re-establishing a meaningful life. Addressing transitional difficulties is important in cross-sectoral SCI rehabilitation and can inform future interventions.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Support Systems

Develop municipal coordination to aid individuals with SCI in navigating various support systems, reducing external pressures.

Transitional Programs

Create gradual discharge programs with specialized interdisciplinary teams to advise and educate municipal stakeholders for adequate home-based support.

Psychosocial Interventions

Incorporate psychosocial support focusing on loss, acceptance, and social renegotiation to aid in adapting to changed life roles after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The analysis may not be adequate for individuals with complete tetraplegia due to their small representation in the study.
2
The data and conclusions are limited to the early stage of transition post-discharge.
3
The study does not determine whether immediate success or difficulties post-discharge produce the same long-term community integration trends.

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