Starting a new conversation: Engaging Veterans with spinal cord injury in discussions of what function means to them, the barriers/facilitators they encounter, and the adaptations they use to optimize function.

Hill JN, Balbale S, Lones K, LaVela SL. Starting a new conversation: Engaging Veterans with spinal cord injury in discussions of what function means to them, the barriers/facilitators they encounter, and the adaptations they use to optimize function. Disability and health journal. 2017 Jan 1; 10(1):114-122.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• RRP 13-248 – Functional Needs Assessment in Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Assessments of function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) often utilize pre-defined constructs and measures without consideration of patient context, including how patients define function and what matters to them. OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: We utilized photovoice to understand how individuals define function, facilitators and barriers to function, and adaptations to support functioning. METHODS: Veterans with SCI were provided with cameras and guidelines to take photographs of things that: (1) help with functioning, (2) are barriers to function, and (3) represent adaptations used to support functioning. Interviews to discuss photographs followed and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded-thematic coding. Nvivo 8 was used to store and organize data. RESULTS: Participants (n  =  9) were male (89%), Caucasian (67%), had paraplegia (75%), averaged 64 years of age, and were injured, on average, for 22 years. Function was described in several ways: the concept of 'normalcy,' aspects of daily living, and ability to be independent. Facilitators included: helpful tools, physical therapy/therapists, transportation, and caregivers. Barriers included: wheelchair-related issues and interior/exterior barriers both in the community and in the hospital. Examples of adaptations included: traditional examples like ramps, and also creative examples like the use of rubber bands on a can to help with grip. CONCLUSION(S): Patient-perspectives elicited in-depth information that expanded the common definition of function by highlighting the concept of "normality," facilitators and barriers to function, and adaptations to optimize function. These insights emphasize function within a patient-context, emphasizing a holistic definition of function that can be used to develop personalized, patient-driven care plans.