Navigating recovery after flap repair for pressure injury in spinal cord injury/disorder: lived experience and clinician perspectives on complications, resilience, and care models.

PURPOSE: Complex pressure injuries (PIs) in people with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) often require flap surgery, with high complication rates, extended immobility and prolonged hospitalisation. This study explored the experiences of both people with lived experience of post-flap complications and the multidisciplinary clinicians involved in their care.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was undertaken at a specialist Spinal Injuries Unit in Queensland, Australia. Purposive sampling recruited eight participants with lived experience of flap-related complications and ten multidisciplinary clinicians. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews using semi-structured questions, and data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged: Living in the present, waiting for the future; Negotiating multiple obstacles; and Harnessing purposeful strategies. Participants described prolonged and uncertain recovery characterised by physical, psychological, social, and healthcare challenges, alongside strategies that fostered resilience through specialised multidisciplinary support, self-efficacy, comprehensive preparation and meaningful engagement during recovery. Participants also identified staffing and infrastructure limitations as barriers to optimal care.

CONCLUSION

Recovery after flap repair is complex and multifaceted, requiring specialised SCI/D multidisciplinary care and sustained engagement from individuals. Strengthening preadmission assessment, supporting resilience and wellbeing, and improving models of care may help reduce complications and improve recovery trajectories.