Isolated and anxious: A qualitative exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals living with spinal cord injury in the UK

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1949562 · Published: July 5, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores the experiences of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses an online survey with open-ended questions to understand their challenges and changes in daily life. The research identifies key issues such as reduced access to healthcare, increased anxiety about health risks, and greater social isolation due to the pandemic restrictions. The study suggests increased use of telehealth to provide rehabilitation support and foster a sense of community for individuals with SCI and healthcare professionals.

Study Duration

30th September 2020 to 28th October 2020

Participants

N = 42, F = 34, M = 8

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants experienced lost access to essential health services and SCI-specific support, particularly rehabilitation, leading to concerns about physical health deterioration and increased pain.
2
Many participants reported increased health anxiety due to perceived heightened vulnerability to respiratory complications and difficulties in accessing shielding.
3
Social isolation was a significant challenge, with reduced social contact compounding health experiences and leading to feelings of loneliness and stress.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the UK, using a qualitative approach to explore their experiences. The main findings revealed significant challenges related to lost access to health services and support, health anxiety stemming from increased vulnerability, and profound social isolation due to restrictions. The research highlights the need for increased telehealth utilization to maintain rehabilitation engagement and foster community among individuals with SCI and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental and physical health concerns during isolating circumstances.

Practical Implications

Telehealth Expansion

Increase the availability and utilization of telehealth services to provide continued rehabilitation support and access to healthcare professionals for individuals with SCI.

Mental Health Support

Develop and implement targeted interventions to address the mental health needs of people with SCI, focusing on reducing health anxiety and combating social isolation.

Equitable Access

Ensure equitable access to essential medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and support services to facilitate safe and effective self-care for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size, which may limit the ability to draw causal links between concerns.
2
Potential for selection bias, as individuals experiencing more significant distress or barriers to healthcare may have been more likely to respond to the survey.
3
Limited representation of minority ethnic backgrounds, meaning their unique concerns surrounding increased risk of exposure and vulnerability may not be fully captured.

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