Perceptions of patient education in spinal cord injury rehabilitation

Patient education is a key part of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation with the goal of preparing persons with SCI to meet life's daily challenges. The purpose of this study was to evaluate experiences of the patient education program from the patients' perspective.

The qualitative design of this study involved a semi-structured interview format to gather descriptive information relevant to the aspects of the patient education program identified to facilitate or impede learning. Twenty-two patients participated in the individual interviews.

The framework that emerged from the analysis of the interview transcripts included a total of six main categories, two subcategories and two main themes. There were two central categories of Need to know and Information access and delivery that were influenced by categories of: Learning readiness, Learning affects, Problem exploration and Family involvement. The category of Information access and delivery included two subcategories labeled Resources and Learning strategies. From these categories the main themes of Learning partnership and Individuality were identified.

This research provides valuable information from the patients' perspective that may be used to enhance patient education programs. The importance of incorporating principles of adult learning is highlighted.