Perspectives on life following a traumatic spinal cord injury

Persons living with traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) face challenges when returning to their communities. The Spain Rehabilitation Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is developing a continuum of care for SCI patients. The perspectives of individuals with SCI are critical to designing a person-centered approach to the continuum.

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of individuals with SCI after their injury, as well as obtain the perspectives of therapists working with SCI patients.

Ten persons ranging in age from 23 to 65 years old and living with SCI were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews. We utilized a grounded theory approach to develop descriptive codes and themes.

Our analysis highlighted domains that are critical to the lives of individuals with SCI including: planning for life after SCI, intrinsic motivation, environmental barriers, financial barriers, role of family, friends, and social networks, and relationships with medical providers. A key theme was the need for more information about how to manage their health condition, including the development of plans that are tailored to their specific needs.

Individuals with an SCI need access to a continuum of care that addresses both medical and social needs.