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THE SWEDISH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROJECT TO ENHANCE LIFE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: SYNTHESIZED EVIDENCE
Jeanette Melin1,2,3,4, Emelie Axwalter1, Gunilla Åhrén1
1Gothenburg Competence Centre for Spinal Cord Injury, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Objective:
The aim of this report is to describe the aggregated insights and key findings from a Swedish need assessment project. The project comprised 3 parallel studies identifying [a] needs to be met, [b] research questions, and [c] knowledge translation gaps related to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods:
The project included people living with SCI, their relatives, health professionals, and personal care assistants. Analyses were conducted with the aim of identifying commonalities and connections between the results of the 3 individual studies.
Results:
The aggregated insights and key findings from this project can be summarized into 3 themes. First, a well-functioning healthcare, rehabilitation, and supporting system must have a holistic perspective on what it means to live with SCI. Second, aging is about living with the SCI and getting old with the SCI. Third, when family members receive their own support, they can provide good support to the person living with SCI.
Conclusion:
New evidence from the Swedish needs assessment project reveals the needs that currently have the greatest impact on improving the lives of people with SCI, which can guide researchers, healthcare providers, and knowledge translators.
