Provider perspectives of community-acquired pressure injury prevention in veterans with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Context/Objective: Community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPrI) are a common and costly complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). Most studies and interventions focus on the prevention of pressure injuries acquired in the hospital. The goal of this study is to better understand SCI provider perspectives of the risks, actions and resources needed to prevent CAPrIs. Design: Qualitative descriptive, semi-structured interviews of SCI providers analyzed using a deductive-inductive approach. Setting: Three geographically different veteran health administration spinal cord injury/disorder centers. Participants: 30 interprofessional SCI providers. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome Measures: Provider perspective of risks, actions and resources for CAPrI prevention in veterans with SCI. Results: 30 interviews revealed a model of provider perspectives of CAPrI prevention including veteran risk characteristics, veteran preventive activities and provider, family, community caregiving resources. Conclusion: Understanding provider perspectives of Veteran CAPrI preventive risks, actions and resources guides more appropriate interventions to prevent CAPrIs in individuals living with SCI.