The experience of being a partner to a spinal cord injured person: A phenomenological-hermeneutic study

Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being, 2011 · DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v6i4.7199 · Published: October 14, 2011

Spinal Cord Injury Social Support Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores the experiences of partners to persons who had suffered a sudden spinal cord injury. Using a Ricoeurian phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, we analysed seven partners’ narratives 1 and 2 years after their partner’s injury. The study revealed how the injury was experienced from the partners’ perspective through the aftermath.

Study Duration

2 years

Participants

7 partners (4 men, 3 women) of spinal cord injured persons

Evidence Level

Qualitative interview study

Key Findings

1
In the acute phase after the injury, partners also felt harmed, and support was needed in relation to their own daily activities, eating, resting, and managing distress.
2
During the institutionalized rehabilitation, partners felt torn between supporting the injured partner and the demanding tasks of everyday life outside the institution.
3
After discharge, partners struggled for the injured partner to regain a well-functioning everyday life and for reestablishing life as a couple.

Research Summary

This qualitative interview study focuses on the personal experiences of partners to a spinal cord injured person. In the acute phase after the injury, partners also felt harmed, and support was needed in relation to their own daily activities, eating, resting, and managing distress. The partners experienced much distress and appreciated the support they got, but felt that they were mainly left to manage the difficult process on their own.

Practical Implications

Need for Professional Care

Highlights the need for professional care for partners, both in the acute state and in the long term.

Mobilizing Resources

Professionals may be active in mobilizing psychosocial and material resources in social networks and thereby initiate an important long-term support.

Counseling Partners

Nurses could be more active in counseling partners about delayed distress eventually through outreach programs.

Study Limitations

1
The study describes the healthy partner’s life situation and the tasks involved on top of the emotional impact.
2
This may limit the retrospective perspective of the partners’ experience 1 or 2 years after the accident.
3
To be able to learn more about what matters to the partner during rehabilitation requires a study where the experiences of the healthy partner are closely followed to unveil important details and guide subsequent professional intervention.

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