Social networks and secondary health conditions: The critical secondary team for individuals with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2012 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000035 · Published: September 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Social Support

Simple Explanation

This study explores the role of social networks in the health and well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on how these networks help manage secondary health conditions (SHCs). It looks at the structure, quality, and impact of informal social networks. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews and surveys to understand the experiences of community-dwelling adults with SCI in Ontario, Canada. It examines how these individuals' social connections influence their ability to prevent and manage SHCs. The findings reveal that while individuals with SCI have smaller social networks compared to the general population, these networks play a crucial role in providing advice, knowledge, advocacy, and practical assistance in managing their health. These networks often act as a 'secondary team' that is essential for filling gaps in formal healthcare.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

14 community-dwelling adults with an SCI living in Ontario

Evidence Level

Descriptive mixed-method study

Key Findings

1
Informal networks for individuals with SCI engage in various roles including advice/validating concerns, knowledge brokerage, advocacy, assisting with finances, preventing SHCs, and managing SHCs.
2
Participants described their informal networks as a “secondary team”; a critical and essential force in dealing with SHCs.
3
The study found that while networks are smaller for persons with SCI, the ties seem to be strong, which is essential for roles involving trust, tacit knowledge, and flexibility.

Research Summary

This study investigates the structure, role, and quality of informal networks for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community, particularly focusing on their role in preventing and managing secondary health conditions (SHCs). The research reveals that despite having smaller networks compared to the general population, individuals with SCI rely heavily on close-knit informal networks, often comprised of family and friends, who provide essential support in various capacities. The study concludes that these informal networks serve as a critical 'secondary team,' filling gaps in the formal healthcare system by offering advice, advocacy, knowledge, and practical assistance, thereby highlighting the importance of strong social support for individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Policy

Recognize and support informal caregivers through policy and resources to enhance their ability to provide effective care.

Clinical Practice

Healthcare providers should acknowledge and integrate informal networks into the care plan, recognizing their role in managing SHCs.

Community Resources

Enhance community-based resources and support systems to strengthen the capacity of informal networks to assist individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The ASSIS domains may have been too general for persons with SCI, given the complexity of the condition and the wide range of roles in which network members may serve.
2
There is no gold standard on measuring social support or social capital.
3
These results are based on a small sample of individuals with SCI and need to be considered in other settings.

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