Ten years of living with an injured spinal cord: A qualitative longitudinal study

International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100100 · Published: October 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Nursing Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how people adapt to life 10 years after a spinal cord injury, focusing on what helps them live a fulfilling life despite physical limitations. The research found that while a spinal cord injury presents ongoing challenges, people can still experience a good quality of life by adjusting their routines and finding new ways to manage daily activities. The study also highlights the importance of stable bodily conditions in enabling individuals to focus on aspects of life beyond their physical limitations, contributing to a sense of normalcy and well-being.

Study Duration

10 Years

Participants

10 people with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Qualitative Longitudinal Study

Key Findings

1
A satisfying life can be led despite limitations caused by spinal cord injury by balancing possibilities and the life wished for.
2
Stable bodily conditions allow other matters to foreground, contributing to reconciling oneself to the situation.
3
Loss of stable bodily condition requires a new recovery process, shifting focus and attention back to the body.

Research Summary

This 10-year longitudinal qualitative study explored the experiences of individuals living with spinal cord injury to identify factors crucial for a fulfilled life. The study found that adapting to limitations and developing new routines enabled individuals to lead satisfying lives, with stable bodily conditions allowing focus to shift beyond physical impairments. However, unstable bodily conditions disrupted this balance, requiring renewed efforts in managing health and potentially causing further loss, underscoring the ongoing challenges of living with spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Holistic Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs should address not only physical recovery but also strategies for adapting to limitations and fostering a sense of normalcy.

Importance of Stability

Healthcare providers should prioritize maintaining stable bodily conditions to allow individuals to focus on other aspects of life and improve their overall well-being.

Long-Term Support

Continued support is crucial for individuals with spinal cord injury to navigate challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain a fulfilling life over the long term.

Study Limitations

1
The sample group was a selected one comprising those who were available to participate.
2
The study leaves out other phenomena in the trajectory of life with a spinal cord injury.
3
It also remains to be explored how the present study complements the broader field of disability studies.

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