A qualitative study of the effect of limb injury/surgery on participation

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TalhaKhanCARLreport2021.pdf(604.77 KB)
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Date
2021-03-16
Authors
Khan, Talha
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Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork
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Abstract
Objectives: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) defines participation as involvement in life. Participation is a key component of human functioning that is at risk of being impaired when an individual experiences illness or disability. One context in which participation may be impaired is in the event of Limb Injury or Surgery. Older people are particularly vulnerable, with impaired participation due to pre-existing disability or illnesses potentially being exacerbated by the impact of a Limb Injury/Surgery. The aim of this project is to explore the effect of Limb Injury/Surgery on participation in older clients of the Westgate Foundation Active Retirement Club. Methods: The data was collected by using six face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, lasting approximately 30 minutes, with members of the Westgate Foundation Active Retirement Club. The interview topics focused on the nature of the injury/surgery and how this has impacted participation. Transcripts of the interviews were then coded and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results: Participation was negatively impacted following Limb Injury/Surgery for all participants interviewed. Participation was decreased in the domains of mobility, self-care, domestic life, interpersonal interactions and relationships, and community, social and civic life. Mobility was independently decreased and also led to a subsequent decrease in the other domains of participation. Participation in the domains of communication and major life areas was not decreased among those with limb injury or surgery. Supports varied, including home support services and disability aids, with family help and organizations such as the Westgate Foundation highlighted as significant facilitators for participation. Conclusion: Limb Injury/Surgery has a negative impact upon participation. Increasing mobility, both within the home and outside, can increase participation across most domains due to its knock-on effect. Access to supports should be considered prior to discharge to facilitate allocation of appropriate resources and services within a community setting. This highlights the need for community services and organisations that may serve as protective factors against the loss of participation in those with limb injuries or surgeries.
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Limb injury , Surgery , Participation , Mobility , Self-care , Home support services , Disability aids , Westgate Foundation
Citation
Khan, T. (2021) A qualitative study of the effect of limb injury/surgery on participation. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.
Copyright
©2021, Talha Khan.