Online support for individuals with spinal cord injuries: an ethnographic investigation.

BACKGROUND

Although social support is an important protective factor for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), individuals often encounter significant barriers to obtaining support after experiencing a SCI. It has been suggested that the Internet may serve to help individuals with disabilities overcome common barriers in obtaining support, yet research examining the efficacy of Internet-based support for individuals with SCI has been mixed.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a more nuanced understanding of how individuals with SCI can or might use the Internet for support.

DESIGN

Using an ethnographic approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine individuals with SCI to explore perceived needs and barriers to information-seeking and online support.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from Veterans Administration medical center outpatient and inpatient units providing specialty care to individuals with SCIs and from a community SCI Center of Excellence.

RESULTS

Individuals with SCI gain emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support from online sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Online resources can provide important opportunities for social support for individuals with SCI.