Understanding transition for youth with spinal cord injury: Youth and caregiver perceptions.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to understand facilitators of and barriers to achieving positive transition results among youth with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to identify areas for intervention to improve transition outcomes.

Design

This study utilized qualitative methods and analysis was completed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

Participants

Participants included adolescents (n = 9, range = 13-18 years old), young adults (n = 14, range = 22-30 years old) with an SCI, and their respective caregivers (n = 17).

Results

The majority of participants had paraplegia (78%) and complete injuries (52%). The majority of caregivers were mothers (88%). Two primary themes were identified: Facilitators of Transition and Barriers to Transition. From these, five subthemes were developed for each category.

Conclusion

Youth with SCI and caregivers would benefit from organizations offering dynamic and progressive care options including social reintegration programs, peer-mentoring opportunities, and programs to teach individuals with SCI and families ways to develop motivation, resilience, and independent living skills. Last, better communication among healthcare providers and an increase of interdisciplinary and accessible adult healthcare facilities would foster greater transition successes for individuals with SCI.