Expectations of persons with paraplegia regarding their care in India: a qualitative study

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative study., OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand expectations of persons with paraplegia in India regarding their care., SETTING: India., METHODS: This study used a qualitative methodology to have a focus group interview of persons with paraplegia in India. Focus group consisted of two to four participants with paraplegia. Adults with level T6 and below, complete injury, duration of at least 6 months post injury and those living in the community were included. Online focus group interviews were conducted using ZOOM online software for online discussions/meetings. Data were collected till data saturation. Recorded videos were transcribed into texts, and the transcribed documents were analysed using the ATLASti.8 software for qualitative data analysis., RESULTS: Forty-eight codes were retrieved under fourteen code groups. These code groups were acceptance, accessibility, advanced technology, assistive devices, basic skills, employment, expectations, experiences, functional independence, government policies, knowledge, psychological make-up, physiotherapy and rural area., CONCLUSION: Because of lack of awareness, knowledge and education provided to persons with paraplegia, their expectations were often unrealistic. Patient education and education of the health professionals are two of the most important aspects in spinal cord injury rehabilitation that must be taken into consideration in India.