Experiencing a traumatic spinal cord injury—Analysis on the view of the theory of Watson’s transpersonal caring

Abstract

<span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">This is an inquiry that seeks to understand the meaning of experiencing a spinal cord injury for hospitalized Brazilian and Portuguese patients. A quailtative study was achieved in two care services to spinal cord injury in Fortaleza-Brazil and Lisboa-Portugal. The subjects were 30 patients with complete spinal cord injury. The findings were obtained through a semi-structured interview, which took place at different times and it was used the following guiding question: What does it mean for you to experience a spinal cord injury? The data were organized by Bardin technique and analysis based on the assumptions of the theory of Jean Watson’s care. The speeches of the patients show a diversity of meanings such as: to lose the freedom of going and coming, sexuality and to become dependent on others. It is concluded that this situation of loss overbalances the person’s existence, which is expressed by feelings of sadness, grief, discontent, isolation, anxiety, crying, pain and emotional suffering. These feelings were expressed by the two groups despite being from different cultures. The research enabled the description of multiple dimensions of the meaning of spinal cord injury. It fills the theoretical gap, not yet sufficiently addressed to the practice of caring people with spinal cord injury.</span

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Quality of Life Index Spinal Cord Injury - Version III

“…Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disabling neurological syndrome that leads to systemic repercussions, as well as psychological, social, economic and labor changes (1)(2) . People affected by SCI are identified as disabled.…”

Analysis of Risk Factors Sociodemographic for the Functional Dependence of Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

“…The nurse seeks to promote the independence of the person with SCI in relation to the physical limits imposed by cognitive and behavioral disabilities, with the aim of helping the person to become independent as much as possible within their conditions and limitations; also promote and encourage self-care through guidelines and training situations; and enable the person to a social life, family in the best possible way and quality [26] [29]- [32].…”

“…Their actions are directed to favoring the recovery and adaptation to the limitations imposed by the disability and to meet the functional needs, motor, psychosocial and spiritual [26] [29]- [32].…”

Sexuality of People with Spinal Cord Injury: Knowledge, Difficulties and Adaptation

“…In the literature, we also find that the decreased frequency of sexual activity and desire in both male and female and a change in the favorite activities for men and women, because sexual dysfunction can alter the related interests and priorities. Women begin to explore more kisses, hugs, touch, and oral sex, while men tend to prefer kisses and hugs [2]- [22]. Some interviewees reported dissatisfaction with their sexual condition after SCI: "It got worse, because I depend on her help" (I-3).…”