A qualitative analysis of pressure injury development among medically underserved adults with spinal cord injury

Disabil Rehabil, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1552328 · Published: July 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study explores why medically underserved adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI) still develop serious pressure injuries even when participating in a program designed to prevent them. It looks at the reasons behind these injuries to improve future prevention efforts. The research involved reviewing treatment notes from a previous study involving 25 adults with SCI who developed pressure injuries during the program. The analysis identified common themes or circumstances that led to these injuries. The study found six key themes related to pressure injury development: lack of basic wound care knowledge, equipment and supply problems, other health issues, not following bed rest instructions, inactivity, and unavoidable life circumstances. These factors can reduce the effectiveness of prevention programs.

Study Duration

12-month

Participants

25 community-dwelling, medically underserved adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Qualitative secondary case analysis

Key Findings

1
Lack of rudimentary knowledge pertaining to wound care contributed to pressure injury development, with participants unknowingly acting in ways that heightened risk or impaired wound healing.
2
Equipment and supply deficits, typically resulting from high costs, were implicated in the development of medically serious pressure injuries.
3
Comorbidities, such as diabetes, mental illness, and substance abuse, contributed to skin breakdown through their impact on skin integrity or psychological and cognitive processes.

Research Summary

This study investigated the circumstances leading to pressure injury development in medically underserved adults with SCI despite participation in a prevention program. Qualitative analysis of treatment notes identified six key themes. The identified themes included a lack of basic wound care knowledge, equipment and supply issues, comorbidities, non-adherence to prescribed bed rest, inactivity, and circumstances beyond the intervention's reach. The findings suggest that future interventions should address health literacy, provide adequate equipment and supplies, manage comorbidities, and consider alternative approaches to bed rest to improve pressure injury prevention in this population.

Practical Implications

Personalized Care

Healthcare providers need to understand their patient’s unique personal contexts, including socio-economic status, language skills, and mental/cognitive functioning.

Health Literacy

Practitioners should take into account the level of health literacy of their patient in order to provide education that is appropriate and understandable.

Resource Advocacy

Practitioners should be aware of how to help their patient advocate for outside services and care that address their equipment needs, such as finding funding or grants to pay for expensive medical equipment.

A qualitative analysis of pressure injury development among medically underserved adults with spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Personalized Care

Health Literacy

Resource Advocacy

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

A qualitative analysis of pressure injury development among medically underserved adults with spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Personalized Care

Health Literacy

Resource Advocacy

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?