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Habib Perez O, Chan K, Martin S, Marinho-Buzelli A, Singh H, Musselman KE. The experience of falls and fall risk during the subacute phase of spinal cord injury: a mixed methods study. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37732508 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2259311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To understand the circumstances, causes and consequences of falls experienced by individuals with subacute SCI, and to explore their perspectives on how falls/fall risk impacted their transition to community living.Materials and methods: Sixty adults with subacute SCI participated. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was adopted. In Phase I, falls were monitored for six months post-inpatient rehabilitation discharge through a survey. In Phase II, a qualitative focus group (n = 5) was held to discuss participants' perspectives on Phase I results and falls/fall risk. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze Phase I and II data, respectively.Results: Falls commonly occurred in the daytime, at home and about half resulted in minor injury. Three themes reflecting participants' perspectives were identified in Phase II. 1) Lack of preparedness to manage fall risk upon returning home from inpatient rehabilitation. 2) Adjusting to increased fall risk following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. 3) Psychological impact of the transition to living at home with an increased fall risk.Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for fall prevention initiatives during subacute SCI, when individuals are learning to manage their increased fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olinda Habib Perez
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Chan
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha Martin
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hardeep Singh
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin E Musselman
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Marshall K, Fleming J, Atresh S, Scott JR, Gustafsson L, Patterson F. Falls on an inpatient rehabilitation spinal injuries unit: the characteristics, circumstances, and consequences. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:57-64. [PMID: 36273103 PMCID: PMC9836933 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective audit OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature of falls and fallers in a spinal injuries unit (SIU) and identify factors associated with having more than one fall (recurrent fallers) and falls with physical or psychological consequences (consequential falls). SETTING An Australian inpatient rehabilitation SIU. METHODS Data were retrospectively extracted from falls incident reports and electronic medical records over a 5-year period. Data were analysed descriptively to summarise participant and fall details. Univariate analyses identified candidate variables for further investigation in a multivariate model for recurrent fallers and consequential falls. RESULTS Of the 566 persons admitted to the SIU, 132 (23%) participants experienced 207 falls over the 5 years. Of the fallers, 41 (31%) were recurrent fallers experiencing between 2 and 7 falls and 78 (59%) experienced a consequential fall. No significant variables were identified for recurrent fallers. For consequential falls, older age (OR = 1.038, 95% CI, 1.012 to 1.064, p = 0.004) and female gender (OR = 3.581, 95% CI, 1.269 to 10.103, p = 0.016) were significant, as well as falls that occurred on a Sunday (OR = 0.196, 95% CI, 0.061 to 0.630, p = 0.006). Falls while transferring were less likely to be consequential (OR = 4.100, 95% CI, 1.706 to 9.856, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Nearly one quarter of SIU inpatients experienced a fall with almost a third of those who fell experiencing recurrent falls. Older age, female gender, and Sundays were risk factors for falls with consequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Marshall
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.412744.00000 0004 0380 2017Department of Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Jennifer Fleming
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Sridhar Atresh
- grid.412744.00000 0004 0380 2017Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service, Division of Rehabilitation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Justin, R. Scott
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537QCIF Bioinformatics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Louise Gustafsson
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Freyr Patterson
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
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Sessford JD, Chan K, Kaiser A, Singh H, Munce S, Alavinia M, Musselman KE. Protocol for a single group, mixed methods study investigating the efficacy of photovoice to improve self-efficacy related to balance and falls for spinal cord injury. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065684. [PMID: 36600385 PMCID: PMC9743364 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience falls and a fear of falling, both of which can impact participation in daily activities and quality of life. A single group, convergent mixed methods study will be conducted to examine the effects of a photovoice intervention on falls self-efficacy among individuals living with chronic SCI. Secondary objectives include examining the effects of photovoice on fear of falling, participation and quality of life and exploring participants' experiences and perceptions of the photovoice intervention through qualitative interviews. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Adults with SCI (n=40) will be divided into groups according to their mobility status (ie, those who ambulate and those who primarily use a wheelchair). The study will be conducted virtually over three consecutive phases, totalling 30 weeks. Each group will self-report falls for 12 weeks prior to and following the intervention (phases 1 and 3, respectively). The 6-week photovoice intervention (phase 2) will be comprised of two photo assignments, two individual interviews with a researcher and a peer mentor, and four group meetings. Participants will discuss these photos at the interviews and group meetings. Standardised questionnaires of falls self-efficacy, fear of falling, participation and life satisfaction will be administered at four time points (ie, beginning of each phase and the end of phase 3). Questionnaire scores will be examined over time using repeated-measures analysis of variance. A semistructured interview will be completed at the end of phase 3 to gain feedback on the photovoice intervention. Qualitative data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained prior to study enrolment. Findings will be shared through peer-reviewed scientific publications and participant-directed knowledge translation activities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04864262.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Sessford
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Chan
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anita Kaiser
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hardeep Singh
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Munce
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Alavinia
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin E Musselman
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Chan K, Habib Perez O, Singh H, Marinho-Buzelli AR, Hitzig SL, Musselman KE. Impact of Falls and Fear of Falling on Participation, Autonomy and Life Satisfaction in the First Year After Spinal Cord Injury. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:903097. [PMID: 36188963 PMCID: PMC9397684 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.903097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionIndividuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience reduced participation in meaningful activities, leading to reduced social engagement and negative psychological impact. Two factors that may affect participation post-SCI are fall status (e.g., having experienced a fall) and having a fear of falling. Our objective was to examine if and how fall status and fear of falling impact participation, autonomy and life satisfaction in the first year post-injury.MethodsAdult inpatients of a SCI rehabilitation hospital were recruited. Following discharge, falls were tracked for 6 months and participants who fell at least once were categorized as “fallers”. At the end of the 6-month period, the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire 9 were administered, and participants were asked if they had a fear of falling (i.e., an ongoing concern about falling leading to the avoidance of activities they are capable of doing). Falls were reported using descriptive statistics. Ordinary least squares regression was used to evaluate the relationships between the independent variables (i.e., fall status and fear of falling) and each dependent variable (i.e., questionnaire scores).ResultsSeventy-one individuals were enrolled in the study; however, 11 participants were lost to follow-up. The included participants (n = 60) were 58.4 ± 14.6 years old and 99 ± 60.3 days post-injury. Over one third (38.3%) of participants fell over the 6-month tracking period. Twenty-seven participants (45%) reported a fear of falling and 14 (51.9%) of these participants were fallers. Fear of falling significantly predicted scores of autonomy indoors (β = 3.38, p = 0.04), autonomy outdoors (β = 2.62, p = 0.04) and family role (β = 3.52, p = 0.05).ConclusionIndividuals with subacute SCI and a fear of falling experienced reduced participation and autonomy, but with no differences in life satisfaction compared to those without a fear of falling. In contrast, having experienced a fall did not impact participation, autonomy or life satisfaction. In the first year after SCI, rehabilitation programs should place specific attention on the presence of fear of falling to help individuals with SCI prepare for everyday mobility challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Chan
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olinda Habib Perez
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hardeep Singh
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andresa R. Marinho-Buzelli
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sander L. Hitzig
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin E. Musselman
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Kristin E. Musselman
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Habib Perez OD, Martin S, Chan K, Singh H, Yoshida KK, Musselman KE. A qualitative photo-elicitation study exploring the impact of falls and fall risk on individuals with subacute spinal cord injury. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269660. [PMID: 35671304 PMCID: PMC9173606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Individuals living with chronic spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) are at an increased risk of falling. However, little is known about the impact of falls and fall risk in the subacute phase of SCI/D, despite this being a time when fall prevention initiatives are delivered. Hence, we explored the impact of falls and fall risk in individuals with subacute SCI/D as they transitioned from inpatient rehabilitation to community living.
Methods
This qualitative photo-elicitation study used an inductive thematic analysis. Eight individuals (7 male) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at a Canadian tertiary rehabilitation hospital due to a new SCI/D participated. Six months following discharge, photo-elicitation interviewing was used to understand the impact of falls and fall risk. Over 7–14 days, participants completed a photo-assignment that involved taking photographs in response to questions, such as what increases/decreases your likelihood of falling? A semi-structured interview followed, in which participants described their photographs and discussed their experiences with falls, fall risk and fall prevention training.
Results
Four themes were identified. 1) Risk factors and strategies identified through lived experience. Participants discovered their fall risk factors and fall prevention strategies through “trial and error”. 2) Influences on the individual’s perception of their fall risk. Prior experience with falls, including falls experienced by themselves as well as friends and family, influenced their perception of fall risk. 3) Experiencing life differently due to increased fall risk. A high fall risk reduced participation, increased negative emotions and decreased independence and quality of life. 4) Falls training in rehabilitation can be improved. Prior experiences with falls training varied; however, participants expressed a desire for comprehensive and individualized training.
Conclusion
Although participants’ experiences with falls and fall prevention varied, falls and the risk of falling can have a significant impact on the first year of living with a SCI/D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha Martin
- KITE, Toronto Rehab–University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Chan
- KITE, Toronto Rehab–University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hardeep Singh
- KITE, Toronto Rehab–University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen K. Yoshida
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Social Science Division), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin E. Musselman
- KITE, Toronto Rehab–University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
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