Engaging in the prevention of pressure injuries in spinal cord injury: A qualitative study of community-dwelling individuals’ different styles of prevention in Switzerland

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1543094 · Published: March 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study explores how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) prevent pressure injuries (PIs). Pressure injuries are a common complication for individuals with SCI and often lead to re-hospitalization. The researchers identified three different styles of prevention: 'Thoughtfuls' who follow all recommendations, 'Selectives' who pick and choose which measures to follow, and 'Delegators' who rely on others for prevention. Understanding these different styles can help healthcare providers create personalized prevention plans that consider individual beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, potentially improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 community-dwelling Swiss residents with SCI

Evidence Level

Level IV, Qualitative explorative interview study

Key Findings

1
Three distinct styles of pressure injury prevention were identified among individuals with SCI: Thoughtfuls, Selectives, and Delegators.
2
Individuals adopting different prevention styles exhibited variations in behavioral patterns, knowledge and attitudes towards prevention, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
3
Personal responsibility, perceived risk, self-efficacy, and optimism appear to be associated with a higher commitment to pressure injury prevention activities.

Research Summary

This qualitative study identified three distinct styles of pressure injury (PI) prevention among community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI): Thoughtfuls, Selectives, and Delegators. The study found that these styles are characterized by different behavioral patterns, knowledge, attitudes, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on factors such as perceived susceptibility to PIs, attitudes towards prevention, and self-efficacy to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors and improve self-management.

Practical Implications

Tailored Interventions

Healthcare providers can use the identified prevention styles to create personalized interventions that address individual beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to pressure injury prevention.

Targeted Education

Educational programs can be designed to increase perceived susceptibility to PIs, improve attitudes towards prevention, and enhance self-efficacy among individuals with SCI.

Improved Self-Management

By understanding an individual's prevention style, healthcare professionals can better support self-management practices, potentially leading to reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The qualitative nature of the study limits the generalizability of the findings to the entire SCI population.
2
The study does not allow for conclusions on which prevention style is more effective.
3
A self-selection bias may be present due to the recruitment strategy.

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