Interdisciplinary approach of arm-hand rehabilitation in cervical spinal cord injury: therapists' perspectives

Abstract

Background Rehabilitation improves arm-hand functioning in people with a cervical spinal cord injury (pwC-SCI), yet optimal training remains undefined in the literature. Therapists' practice-based evidence insights enhance clinical interventions. Objectives To explore the therapists' perspectives on the best practice of arm-hand function rehabilitation for pwC-SCI. Methods In this quantitative study with an exploratory approach, three focus groups were undertaken involving seven physiotherapists and seven occupational therapists, each with a minimum of two years of experience in spinal cord rehabilitation in Belgium or the Netherlands. The analysis employed an inductive thematic analysis. Results The study revealed six themes: person and client system, motivation, goals, analysis, training, and interdisciplinary approach. Therapists highlight the importance of a personalized rehabilitation plan, focusing on the person's diverse aspects and the role of the entire client system. Therapists emphasize the crucial role of a person's motivation in training. An ongoing analysis of the person and the client system, motivation, goals, and training is necessary to develop an individualized training. A personalized rehabilitation plan requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion Based on practice-based evidence, arm-hand rehabilitation should incorporate a continuously adjusted, individualized plan with a central focus on the person and his client system. Keywords: spinal cord injury, practice-based evidence, therapist's perspectives