Jennifer N. Hill, M.A., Salva Balbale, M.S., Keshonna Lones, M.H.A., Sherri L. LaVela, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Disability and Health Journal, January 2017, Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 114–122
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2016.05.012
Background
Assessments of function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) often utilize pre-defined constructs and measures without consideration of patient context, including how patients define function and what matters to them.
Objectives/hypothesis
We utilized photovoice to understand how individuals define function, facilitators and barriers to function, and adaptations to support functioning.
Methods
Veterans with SCI were provided with cameras and guidelines to take photographs of things that: (1) help with functioning, (2) are barriers to function, and (3) represent adaptations used to support functioning. Interviews to discuss photographs followed and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded-thematic coding. Nvivo 8 was used to store and organize data.
Results
Participants (n = 9) were male (89%), Caucasian (67%), had paraplegia (75%), averaged 64 years of age, and were injured, on average, for 22 years. Function was described in several ways: the concept of ‘normalcy,’ aspects of daily living, and ability to be independent. Facilitators included: helpful tools, physical therapy/therapists, transportation, and caregivers. Barriers included: wheelchair-related issues and interior/exterior barriers both in the community and in the hospital. Examples of adaptations included: traditional examples like ramps, and also creative examples like the use of rubber bands on a can to help with grip.
Conclusion(s)
Patient-perspectives elicited in-depth information that expanded the common definition of function by highlighting the concept of “normality,” facilitators and barriers to function, and adaptations to optimize function. These insights emphasize function within a patient-context, emphasizing a holistic definition of function that can be used to develop personalized, patient-driven care plans.