Setting me up or holding me back? Perspectives of people with spinal cord injury on rehabilitation supports at inpatient discharge and 3-months post-discharge.

Abstract

Purpose: The transition from hospital to the community following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant and challenging time. Rehabilitation aims to equip individuals with the skills and resources required to navigate this transition. This study explored the rehabilitation priorities of people with SCI, expectations for rehabilitation supports at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, and experiences of rehabilitation supports at 3-months post-discharge.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with SCI at discharge (n = 26) and 3-months post-discharge (n = 23) from the Spinal Injuries Unit in Queensland, Australia. Data were thematically analysed using the Framework method.

Results: The analysis identified three themes. Theme 1 (Resuming life and what matters to me) depicted how people re-evaluated their priorities in terms of activities and roles post-discharge. Themes 2 (Setting me up) and 3 (Holding me back) reflected variations in the match between individuals' expectations and experiences of rehabilitation supports. Coordinated and personalised supports received during the transition aided adaptation to life in the community, whereas lack of appropriate or timely supports hindered adjustment and progress.

Conclusion: Individuals' expectations of progress and rehabilitation priorities often change in the first few months post-discharge after SCI. Personalised, responsive and coordinated rehabilitation supports are essential for supporting community adjustment.