Needs Assessment of Self-Management for Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury/Disease

OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 2024 · DOI: 10.1177/15394492231183627 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury/Disease (SCI/D) experience secondary health conditions to a higher degree than the general population which impacts their function, quality of life, and lifespan. The factors that limit or support participation in self-management behaviors and programs were explored and we asked people with SCI/D what they would want out of a self-management program tailored to their needs. Results showed that virtual programs with a both group and individual sessions with a strong mental health component were preferred.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

38 participants with SCI/D

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional quantitative study

Key Findings

1
Participants indicated barriers to SM include transportation/distance, presence of SHCs, and a lack of local resources.
2
Participants noted that virtual SM programs with strong psychological health/coping components were preferred.
3
Participants rated having virtual meetings as the most important component of an SM program (M = 3.03, SD = 1.73) followed by group discussion (M = 3.17, SD = 1.56), and being easily accessible (M = 3.23, SD = 1.83).

Research Summary

Since the 1980s, survivorship for persons with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) has significantly improved; however, life expectancy remains lower than the general population due to secondary health conditions (SHCs) that lead to decreased function and death. This study explored (1) facilitators and barriers to engaging in self-management (SM) for persons with SCI/D and (2) stakeholder perspectives on potential SM program components and content for intervention development. These findings should guide the development of an SM program tailored to SCI/D to reduce the prevalence and impact of SHC on the SCI/D population.

Practical Implications

Telehealth Implementation

Telehealth can address transportation barriers and the lack of local specialists, offering a community-based intervention for individuals with SCI/D.

Psychological Health Focus

Tailored SM programs must include a strong mental health component to address the higher risk of mental health disorders in the SCI/D population.

Group and Individual Meetings

SCI-tailored SM programs should incorporate both group and one-on-one meetings to address self-management needs effectively.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively modest sample size
2
Recruitment via online communication could have disproportionately excluded participation from persons of low socioeconomic status
3
Participants who responded to this survey did not reflect wider SCI/D population statistics in terms of race and ethnicity

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