Health Professionals’ Experience of Barriers in Empowering People with Spinal Cord Injury: a Qualitative Inquiry

Journal of Caring Sciences, 2019 · DOI: 10.15171/jcs.2019.021 · Published: September 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in helping individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) lead more independent lives. It identifies obstacles within the healthcare system, education, and social environment that hinder the empowerment of SCI patients. The research uses interviews with healthcare professionals to understand their experiences and perspectives on what makes it difficult to empower individuals with SCI. By understanding these barriers, the study aims to inform policymakers and healthcare providers on how to improve support and resources for individuals with SCI and their families, ultimately promoting greater independence and quality of life.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

11 healthcare professionals

Evidence Level

Qualitative inquiry, Content analysis

Key Findings

1
Lack of patient-and-family-centered education was a significant barrier, with subthemes including insufficient information, inadequate education, and wrong attitudes towards disability.
2
Failure in providing sufficient healthcare services emerged as another key theme, encompassing inadequate professional competence, lack of teamwork, follow-up care, and homecare systems.
3
An inappropriate setting for using rehabilitation services, including a shortage of specialized centers, lack of social facilities, poor financial situation, and executive limitations of professional rehabilitation, also hindered empowerment.

Research Summary

This qualitative study explored barriers to empowering people with spinal cord injury (SCI) from the perspective of healthcare professionals in Iran. The study identified three main themes: lack of patient-and-family-centered education, failure in providing sufficient healthcare services, and an inappropriate setting for using rehabilitation services. The findings highlight the need for improved education, healthcare services, and social support to enhance the empowerment of individuals with SCI and their families.

Practical Implications

Improve Healthcare Education

Develop and implement patient-and-family-centered education programs to address knowledge gaps and misconceptions about SCI.

Enhance Healthcare Services

Strengthen teamwork among healthcare professionals, improve professional competence, and establish comprehensive follow-up and homecare systems.

Create Supportive Environments

Increase the availability of specialized rehabilitation centers, improve social facilities, and address financial barriers to accessing rehabilitation services.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in Iran, limiting the generalizability of findings to other cultural contexts.
2
The sample consisted of healthcare professionals, excluding the perspectives of individuals with SCI and their families.
3
The study relied on self-reported data from interviews, which may be subject to recall bias.

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