Article

OBJECTIVE: To describe and enhance our understanding of how persons with late
effects of polio experience the influence of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation
programme. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve persons with clinically verified late effects of
polio who had participated in an individualized, goal-oriented, comprehensive
interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme. METHODS: Qualitative research
interviews analysed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory.
RESULTS: The rehabilitation programme was experienced as a turning point in the
participants' lives. Before rehabilitation they felt they were on a downward
slope without control. Rehabilitation was the start of a process of change
whereby they acquired new skills, which, over time, contributed to a different
but good life. After approximately a year, they had a sense of control and had
accepted life with late effects of polio. They had also established new habits,
taken on a changed valued self and could look to the future with confidence.
CONCLUSION: This qualitative study has shown that persons with late effects of
polio can benefit from an individualized, goal-oriented, comprehensive
interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme and experience positive changes in
their management of daily activities and in their view of their late effects of
polio, their future and their self.

Langue : ANGLAIS