@article{ref1,
title="Perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury on fall circumstances and fall prevention: a mixed methods approach using photovoice",
journal="PLoS one",
year="2020",
author="Singh, Hardeep and Scovil, Carol Y. and Bostick, Geoff P. and Kaiser, Anita and Craven, B. Catharine and Jaglal, Susan B. and Musselman, Kristin E.",
volume="15",
number="8",
pages="e0238116-e0238116",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury are at a high risk of falls. However, the perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury on their fall circumstances and their preferences for fall prevention strategies/interventions remain understudied. Therefore, we aimed to: a) describe the circumstances of falls experienced by wheelchair users with spinal cord injury over a six-month period, b) explore their perspectives of why falls occurred in certain situations, and c) explore their perspectives on recommended content/structure of fall prevention strategies/interventions.   METHODS: This sequential explanatory mixed methods study had two phases. Phase I involved tracking of falls experienced by wheelchair users with spinal cord injury over six months, in which participants completed a survey after experiencing a fall to track the number/circumstance of each fall. Data from the surveys were descriptively reported. Phase II involved a photovoice focus group discussion of the survey findings and their preferences for fall prevention strategies/interventions. Data from the focus group discussion were analyzed using a thematic analysis.   RESULTS: Thirty-two participants completed phase I. More than half of the participants fell at least once in six months. Falls commonly occurred in the afternoon during a transfer, or when participants were wheeling over uneven ground. One-third of the falls caused an injury. Eleven participants that fell during phase I participated in the focus group. Two main themes were identified from the discussion: 1) &quot;circumstances surrounding the falls&quot; (e.g. when falls occurred, the home is a 'safe space') and 2) &quot;suggestions and preferences for fall prevention strategies/interventions&quot; (e.g. fall prevention involves all, fall prevention training available as needed).   CONCLUSION: Fall prevention strategies/interventions should be an integral component of rehabilitation practices across the lifespan. Participants recommend customizing fall prevention strategies/interventions to their specific needs to guide the structure, content, and delivery of targeted fall prevention programs.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1932-6203",
doi="10.1371/journal.pone.0238116",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238116"
}