Coping strategies in daily occupations 3 months after a severe or major hand injury

Coping strategies used in performing daily occupations 3 months after a severe or major hand injury were explored. A semi-structured interview was performed with 13 participants with hand injuries based on Hand Injury Severity Scoring System and analysed using content analysis. Six groups of strategies were identified: 'Changing performance of daily occupations', 'Actively processing trauma experience', 'Changing occupational patterns', 'Receiving assistance', 'Using emotional strategies' and 'Keeping up a social network'. The problem- and emotional-solving strategies identified in this study can be used to support other patients early in rehabilitation. Patients with few coping strategies should be recognized. Information and practical handouts to patients, therapists and relatives should stimulate and help patients with hand problems enabling in meaningful occupations and preventing unnecessary stress. Furthermore, social support should be encouraged and family should be actively involved in rehabilitation. To insure trustworthiness, member checks were used on four randomly selected participants, but could possibly be used with all participants. Further research is needed in a longitudinal study to explore which coping strategies or adaptation patients use to perform daily occupations at a later stage.