Quality of life from the patient perspective at the end of the first rehabilitation after the onset of spinal cord injury/disorder – A qualitative interview-based study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2025 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2263235 · Published: September 27, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how patients with spinal cord injuries/disorders (SCI/D) perceive their quality of life (QoL) during their initial rehabilitation. The study found that social aspects, health, and autonomy are crucial for patients' QoL. Positive social interactions, improved health, and a sense of independence greatly enhance their well-being. Conversely, social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical issues like pain, and limitations in independence negatively impact QoL.

Study Duration

5 Months

Participants

20 participants aged 18 years or older with SCI/D

Evidence Level

Qualitative study

Key Findings

1
Social life, health, and autonomy are the most important aspects for the interviewees in forming their general concept of a good QoL.
2
The social environment, including family, friends, the rehabilitation team, and other patients, significantly influences the patients’ individual perception of QoL.
3
A good health condition, acquired through high energy and strength during rehabilitation, positively impacts mental state and overall QoL.

Research Summary

This study explored patients’ perspectives on their QoL during their first inpatient rehabilitation after the onset of SCI/D. The interviewees judged their satisfaction with life as a whole, their physical and mental health, as relatively high. The interviewees described different aspects from the areas of social, health and autonomy as important for their QoL.

Practical Implications

Individualized Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs should be tailored to address the social, health, and autonomy needs of each patient to improve their QoL.

Social Support Integration

Encouraging and facilitating social interactions with family, friends, the rehabilitation team, and other patients can significantly enhance QoL.

Mental Health Focus

Addressing mental health through strategies such as promoting a positive attitude and developing coping mechanisms can improve overall well-being.

Study Limitations

1
Single-centered study limits representativeness of the results.
2
Purposive sampling method implicates a selection bias.
3
Interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially overemphasizing the social aspect of life.

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