Patients, doctors, and therapists perceptions of professional roles in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: do they agree?

Full Abstract

Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition, requiring extensive rehabilitation from a range of health care professionals. However, it is unclear if patients view the professionals' input into their rehabilitation in the same way as those professionals. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study into patient participation in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. The aim of the part of the study reported here was to identify whether there is agreement between health care professionals and patients perceptions of professional roles in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Results are presented from semi-structured interviews conducted with five doctors, five physiotherapists, three occupational therapists and 20 patients in a spinal cord injury unit in England. Findings suggest considerable agreement between professionals and patients about the role those professionals play in their rehabilitation. Physiotherapists are perceived to be key to rehabilitation, occupational therapists focus on hand function but physiotherapists and occupational therapists complement each other. Doctors coordinate the team yet reduce their input as patients move out of the acute phase into rehabilitation. There are some tensions but the early input of these professionals into patients' rehabilitation may help to develop understanding of roles. Congruence between patients and professionals may mean that patients have realistic expectations and encourage a more equal relationship between them.

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Author information

Author/s: Pellatt, Glynis Collis (GC);

Affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Science, University of Bedfordshire, Aylesbury Vale Education Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK. glynis.pellatt(-atsign-)beds.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of interprofessional care (J Interprof Care), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Mar; vol 21 (issue 2) : pp 165-77

Dates: Created 2007/03/16; Completed 2007/05/22;

PMID: 17365390, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Allied Health Personnel - psychology
Female
Humans
Interprofessional Relations
Male
Patient Care Team - organization & administration

Patient Care Team - organization & administration
Patients - psychology
Perception
Physical Therapy (Specialty)
Physicians - psychology
Professional Role
Qualitative Research
Spinal Cord Injuries - psychology; rehabilitation

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