Reported quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries: a longitudinal analysis of the first 6 months post-discharge.

Abstract

A repeated measures design was employed with measures taken on two observational periods during the first 6 months post-discharge from hospital. To investigate the perceived importance of specific needs implicated in the development of quality of life (QOL), and the extent to which these aspects have been achieved, in a group of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community. The National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital and the general community. The study sample comprised 24 spinal cord injured patients discharged from a national rehabilitation centre following a rehabilitation programme. The Quality of Life and Needs Assessment Questionnaire was completed by participants at 1 and 6 months post discharge. No significant differences were found between the importance that participants attributed to specific needs at months 1 and 6 post discharge. Moreover, no significant differences were found between the extent to which these needs were met at 1 and 6 months post discharge. The reported quality of life of people who have a spinal cord injury remains stable during the first year following discharge.