Exploring barriers to rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury: a qualitative study in Iran

BMC Health Services Research, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12284-w · Published: January 15, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the difficulties faced by people with spinal cord injuries in Iran when trying to access rehabilitation services. It looks at personal, provider-related, and social support factors that create these barriers. The researchers conducted interviews with 14 individuals with spinal cord injuries in Golestan province, Iran. They analyzed the interview transcripts to identify common themes related to barriers in accessing rehabilitation. The study found that many factors prevent people with spinal cord injuries from getting the rehab they need, including lack of knowledge about their condition, inadequate home environments, and issues with healthcare providers and social support systems.

Study Duration

July and September 2023

Participants

14 (12 males, 2 female) with spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Qualitative study

Key Findings

1
Personal limiting factors include insufficient health literacy and inadequate home adaptations.
2
Provider-related barriers involve insufficient expertise, unprofessional service delivery, and limited service accessibility.
3
Socio-supportive barriers encompass companionship needs, financial constraints, insurance limitations, and bureaucratic hurdles.

Research Summary

This study explores barriers to rehabilitation services for individuals with spinal cord injuries in Golestan province, Iran, identifying personal, provider-related, and socio-supportive factors. The study highlights the complex interplay of patient, provider, and societal factors that influence access to rehabilitation services, emphasizing the significance of individual and socio-supportive factors. The findings underscore the need for a holistic approach that addresses not only physical impairments but also psychosocial and environmental needs to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Practical Implications

Policy Development

Policymakers should develop and implement policies to improve access to rehabilitation services, including funding initiatives and educational programs for healthcare professionals.

Healthcare Practice

Healthcare professionals should provide education to patients about available services, advocate for their needs, and work collaboratively to ensure comprehensive care.

Future Research

Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of interventions designed to address the identified barriers and to investigate the experiences of individuals with SCIs in other regions.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size
2
Reliance on self-report data may introduce bias
3
Data analysis techniques may have limitations in capturing the complexity of the phenomenon

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