The COVID-19 Pandemic Related Lived Experiences of Individuals With a Spinal Cord Injury/Disease

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.834909 · Published: April 5, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely impacted individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Restrictions and societal failures to accommodate their needs have presented additional challenges. This study explores the lived experiences of people with SCI during the pandemic, focusing on changes to mobility, new challenges faced, and the resilience shown in adapting to a new normal. The findings emphasize issues with ableism within the medical system, where changes were often made without consulting individuals with disabilities, highlighting the need for increased dialogue and consideration of their needs.

Study Duration

May and June of 2020

Participants

22 individuals with spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants experienced significant changes to their mobility and daily routines, including challenges with grocery shopping, travel, and access to healthcare.
2
Individuals with SCI faced new challenges such as increased anxiety, frustration due to others not following guidelines, and reduced social interaction, leading to feelings of isolation.
3
Despite the challenges, participants demonstrated resilience by managing new information, employing personal coping strategies, and finding ways to connect with others, often drawing upon past experiences.

Research Summary

This study explores the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on changes to daily life, new challenges, and resilience. The findings highlight significant changes to mobility and healthcare access, increased anxiety and social isolation, and the importance of resilience and social support in coping with these challenges. The research underscores the need for increased dialogue with the SCI community and addressing systemic issues such as ableism to promote greater equity and quality of life.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Accessibility

The study suggests a need for continued and improved telehealth options to address geographical, physical, and transportation barriers faced by individuals with SCI.

Social Support

Findings emphasize the importance of maintaining social connections and providing mental health support to combat social isolation and loneliness among individuals with SCI.

Policy and Systemic Changes

The research calls for addressing ableism within healthcare and implementing policies that prioritize the needs and perspectives of individuals with disabilities.

Study Limitations

1
The study captures perspectives early in the pandemic, potentially limiting the breadth of data regarding overall life through the pandemic.
2
The sample of 22 participants does provide an array of experiences, however, and it provides a clear insight as to how life has changed since pre-COVID-19 and what the initial few months during COVID-19 have been like.
3
The study might miss out on the perspectives of individuals with spinal cord injury who do not have access to technology.

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