Preliminary examination of Coaching in Context with clients with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-021-00391-9 · Published: February 18, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study explores a coaching approach called Coaching in Context for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim was to see if this coaching method could be successfully implemented and if it could help improve their participation in daily activities. Coaching in Context focuses on constructive conversations to help clients identify and solve challenges that interfere with their desired activities. It uses techniques from positive psychology and motivational interviewing to empower clients to find their own solutions. The results showed that the participants were able to set goals and work with coaches to improve their performance and satisfaction in those goals. This suggests that Coaching in Context has the potential to help people with SCI enhance their daily lives.

Study Duration

11 weeks

Participants

Three adults with tetraplegia resulting from chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Pilot study

Key Findings

1
Participants showed improvements in both performance and satisfaction scores on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) after participating in Coaching in Context.
2
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) indicated that participants generally achieved or exceeded their expected outcomes for their coaching goals.
3
The Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) scores improved for all three participants, suggesting that Coaching in Context may contribute to improved self-efficacy.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the implementation of Coaching in Context for adults with SCI, focusing on enhancing their participation in everyday activities. The study utilized a repeated measures design with three participants. The results indicated successful implementation of Coaching in Context, with participants showing improvements in performance and satisfaction of their self-identified goals. These improvements were measured using COPM, GAS, and MSES. The study highlights the potential of Coaching in Context as an interprofessional approach to optimize everyday living for individuals with SCI, warranting further research on its effectiveness and optimal application.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Practice

Coaching in Context can be integrated into rehabilitation programs to help individuals with SCI identify and achieve their personal goals related to participation in daily activities.

Interprofessional Collaboration

The study supports the use of an interprofessional approach to coaching, suggesting that professionals from various backgrounds can be trained to effectively implement Coaching in Context.

Future Research

Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage of coaching, identify who may benefit most from this approach, and compare its effectiveness to other coaching methods.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
2
The coaches were involved in both goal setting and intervention, potentially introducing bias.
3
The fidelity measure used to assess adherence to coaching principles has not been fully validated.

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