Participation in life after traumatic spinal cord injury – an analysis of person perceived determinants and the implications for rehabilitation

About the Project

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic and life altering event but many people who experience SCI are able to re-establish fulfilling lives.  The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) recognises that participation in life after SCI is not just influenced by the impairment resulting from the SCI, but by each person’s unique characteristics as well as the environment in which they live. Understanding these internal and external factors, and the way in which they influence participation is key to better participation outcomes for all people with SCI.

The person perceived approach to understanding these determining factors has rarely been used and there is substantial scope for building on this knowledge. There is much to be gained from understanding the participation values and beliefs of people with SCI and using this understanding to inform the delivery of rehabilitation.