Triangulation of veteran and provider models of preventing community-acquired pressure injuries in spinal cord injury to reveal convergence and divergence of perspectives

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2135714 · Published: January 1, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study compares how healthcare providers and veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) perceive the prevention of community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPrI). It looks at areas of agreement and disagreement in their views. The research uses a method called Farmer triangulation to analyze existing models of CAPrI prevention from both provider and veteran perspectives, focusing on risks, resources, and preventive activities. The study found that while providers and veterans agree on the importance of basic care and support systems, they differ in their views on motivation, the veteran's role in prevention, and the adequacy of available supports.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

30 interprofessional SCI providers; 30 Veterans living with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Providers and veterans agreed on the fundamentals of care and the importance of support from family, caregivers, and the healthcare system.
2
Views diverged on motivation, with providers seeing a lack of it as a risk, while veterans viewed motivation as a resource stemming from fear, goals, faith, and family responsibility.
3
There was dissonance regarding the prioritization of preventive activities versus social activities, with providers emphasizing prevention and veterans prioritizing living life while integrating preventive measures.

Research Summary

This study uses the Farmer triangulation method to compare provider and veteran perspectives on community-acquired pressure injury (CAPrI) prevention in spinal cord injury (SCI). The study reveals areas of agreement, partial agreement, dissonance, and silence between the two groups regarding risks, resources, and preventive activities. The findings highlight the importance of aligning provider actions with veteran goals, recognizing veteran strengths, and addressing the broader context of veterans' lives to improve CAPrI prevention efforts.

Practical Implications

Patient-Centered Care

Tailor CAPrI prevention strategies to align with veterans' life goals and motivations rather than solely focusing on clinical guidelines.

Support Network Assessment

Assess and support veterans' informal networks of support, including family, friends, and community resources, to enhance preventive care.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Engage veterans in collaborative problem-solving to address barriers to CAPrI prevention and ensure that recommendations are practical and effective in their daily lives.