Spinal Cord Injury

Paper Summary:

The paper states that a spinal cord injury (SCI) affects not only the approximately 350,000 individuals in the United States who are living with SCI, but also the spouses, siblings, sons, daughters and other family members that have to cope with the sudden changes in lifestyle(s) that portends such injuries as well. The paper seeks to ascertain how a SCI affects the quality of life (QOL) for both the individual suffering from the injury and the family caregivers that are associated with the victim as well. The paper defines QOL in an acceptable manner and also observes the positive and negative responses from those individuals who have to cope with the effects that those sudden changes bring about.

Outline:
Introduction
SCI Background
Methodology
Coping
Need and Significance

From the Paper:

"Some of the incurred expenses can include around the clock nursing care; respiratory therapy; modifying an automobile for transportation; adaptive equipment such as a special air mattress bed which will turn and position the individual; a sip and puff wheelchair; physical therapy; adaptive clothing; supplies such as supra pubic supplies; bed bags, etc. These expenses do not include costs to attain a higher level of health, but are only coincidental to maintaining an already reached level. Along with the financial burden that such an injury can induce is the emotional and mental and psychological stress that takes its toll on the victim and surrounding families members."

Sample of Sources Used:

• DeGraff, A.H.; Schaffer, J.; (2008) Emotion-focused coping: A primary defense against stress for people living with spinal cord injury, Journal of Rehabilitation, Vol. 74, Issue 1, pp. 19 - 24
• Fothergill, A.; Edwards, D.; Burnard, P.; (2004) Stress, burnout, coping and stress management in psychiatrists: Findings from a systematic review, International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 54 - 65
• Hammell, K.W.; (2007) Quality of life after spinal cord injury: A meta-synthesis of qualitative findings, Spinal Cord, Vol. 45, pp. 124 - 129, retrieved at www.nature.com/sc
• Hammell, K.W.; (2004) Quality of life among people with high spinal cord injury living in the community, Spinal Cord, Vol. 42, pp. 607 - 629, Retrieved from www.naturecom/sc
• Kennedy, P.; Lude, P.; Taylor, N.; (2006) Quality of life, social participation, appraisals and coping post spinal cord injury: A review of four community samples, Spinal Cord, Vol. 44, pp. 95 - 105

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