Salmiranta E, Areskoug Josefsson K, Ockander M, Augutis M, Masterson D. The voice of caregivers of children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries: A scoping review.
J Spinal Cord Med 2024;
47:315-326. [PMID:
36745084 PMCID:
PMC11044720 DOI:
10.1080/10790268.2022.2164455]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT
Participation in SCI research with caregivers of children and adolescents with spinal cord injury (SCI) can occur in a range of different ways. This review explores the extent to which caregivers' participation is connected to what might be called a voice.
OBJECTIVES
To explore the voice of caregivers by collating available research with the participation of caregivers of children and adolescents with SCI, and synthesizing how the research has been conducted.
METHODS
The databases CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Scopus were searched for articles published between January 2008 and March 2022. Descriptive and narrative information was extracted and factors describing how caregivers participated were identified using an inductive approach.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine articles were identified, of which 28 had affiliations connected to the USA, and 25 to Shriners Hospitals for Children. In most of the articles, the caregivers were invited to participate in the research to complete or develop measures. Information from the caregivers was often captured using close-structured questions and summarized quantitatively with little or no exploration of the perspectives of the caregivers.
CONCLUSION
The voice of caregivers of children and adolescents with SCI in research is limited by representativeness, the pre-determined emphasis, a lack of involvement in the process, and the reported narrative. By reflecting on voice, caregivers can have their experiences and perspectives acted upon to a greater extent to bring change, ultimately leading to improved care and health for children and adolescents with SCI.
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