Evaluating a pilot community-based self-management program for adults with spinal cord injury.

Objective

To evaluate outcomes and perceptions of participating in a pilot spinal cord injury (SCI) specific community-based self-management program.

Design

A program evaluation conducted through the review of retrospective data.

Setting

An outpatient vocational rehabilitation service in Singapore.

Participants

Adults with SCI who completed a self-management intervention.Intervention: A self-management educational program was delivered by healthcare professionals with involvement of peer mentors. Up to six self-selected topics were covered using a multi-modal teaching approach.Outcome Measures: Retrospective data collected at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up were analyzed. Outcome measures included the University of Washington Self-Efficacy scale (UW-SES), SCI Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), and employment. Post-program survey findings were also reviewed.

Results

Data from fifteen participants revealed positive changes over time for the UW-SES (η² = .27), SCI-SCS (η² = .21), and CIQ (η² = .23). Self-efficacy scores increased from baseline to post-intervention with a large effect size (Hedge's g = 0.89), and from baseline to follow-up with a medium effect size (Hedge's g = 0.50). Participants reported overall perceived benefit and satisfaction with the program's design and relevance. They valued access to useful information, effective instructional methods, program customization, and participant empowerment and affirmation. Suggestions for program refinement included: more peer support, psycho-emotional support, and continued program adaptability and accessibility.

Conclusion

A SCI-specific community-based self-management program was associated with short-term improvements in self-efficacy and was well-received. Further research is required to determine its effectiveness, essential program features that promote successful outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of program implementation.