Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview-based study

Health Expectations, 2017 · DOI: 10.1111/hex.12559 · Published: March 7, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) feel about making decisions during their initial rehabilitation. It aims to find ways to improve how treatment is approached to give patients more control. Researchers interviewed 22 individuals with SCI to understand their experiences and perspectives on participating in decisions about their care during inpatient rehabilitation. The study found that patients often feel less able to make decisions early on but regaining this ability is an important goal. Providing clear information and support is crucial for empowering patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

22 participants with SCI

Evidence Level

Qualitative interview-based study

Key Findings

1
Patients experienced a reduced ability to participate in decision making during the early phase after SCI due to physical, psychological, and environmental factors.
2
Receiving adequate, understandable, and personalized information was a prerequisite for patients to regain their ability to make decisions.
3
Other important factors included medical and psychological condition, personal engagement, time, and dialogue with peers.

Research Summary

The study highlights the need to respect patients' capacities and limitations in their decision-making ability during rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients often feel restricted in their decision-making capacity in the acute phase but are comfortable leaving decisions to healthcare professionals. A friendly atmosphere is helpful, while contradictory information hampers participation in decision-making.

Practical Implications

Improve Communication

Healthcare professionals should provide clear, understandable, and personalized information to patients with SCI to support their decision-making ability.

Foster a Supportive Environment

Create a friendly, respectful, and optimistic atmosphere that encourages self-determination and decision-making during rehabilitation.

Individualized Rehabilitation

Develop individualized rehabilitation programs that integrate patients into the goal-setting process to enhance their participation and empowerment.

Study Limitations

1
Selection bias might have occurred in choosing patients with a high capacity for introspection.
2
Memory bias influenced by other life events and personal development might have occurred.
3
The focus of the interview was limited to personal factors.

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Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview-­based study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Communication

Foster a Supportive Environment

Individualized Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview-­based study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Communication

Foster a Supportive Environment

Individualized Rehabilitation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview-based study

Patients’ views on their decision making during inpatient rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury—A qualitative interview-based study