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Online support for individuals with spinal cord injuries: An ethnographic investigation

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2014 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000118 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord InjuryTelehealth & Digital HealthSocial Support

Simple Explanation

This study explores how individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) use the internet for social support, given that they often face barriers to obtaining support offline. The research involved interviews with nine individuals with SCI to understand their needs, barriers to information, and online support experiences. The findings suggest that online resources can offer emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support for people with SCI, highlighting the internet's potential in this area.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
9 individuals with SCI
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Individuals with SCI use the Internet frequently for various activities, including work, email, news, health information, adaptive equipment research, shopping, transportation, finance, and bill payments.
  • 2
    Participants reported receiving emotional support from peers online, especially through discussion forums and chat rooms, and some preferred online support to in-person support groups.
  • 3
    The study identified a need for more online resources for caregivers of individuals with SCI and better information about accessible travel options.

Research Summary

This study investigated how individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) utilize the Internet for social support, employing an ethnographic approach involving semi-structured interviews with nine participants. The results indicate that individuals with SCI derive emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support from online sources, underscoring the potential of the Internet as a social support resource. The research also highlights gaps in current online resources, such as the need for more support for caregivers and improved information regarding accessible travel options for individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Develop Online Interventions

Create and test online interventions to increase problem-focused, emotional, and reciprocal social support for SCI patients.

Enhance Accessibility Information

Develop websites providing peer-led reviews of the accessibility of airlines, restaurants, and hotels for individuals with SCI.

Facilitate Internet Access During Hospitalization

Address barriers to Internet access during hospitalization to improve access to health information and communication with peers and healthcare providers.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The small sample size of the qualitative study may limit the generalizability of the findings to other individuals with SCI.
  • 2
    The study participants were high-functioning in terms of social support, emotional well-being, and financial stability, potentially skewing the results.
  • 3
    The study did not include interviews with individuals immediately following their injuries, which may not reflect the experiences and needs of newly injured individuals.

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