Article

This study explores the experiences of Irish people with high cervical
spinal cord injuries living with electronic aids to daily living (EADL) and the
meaning attributed to such systems in the context of participation in everyday
life. METHOD: Qualitative methodology using a phenomenological approach was used
to explore the phenomenon of living with EADL. Data were collected using four
focus groups of users and nonusers of EADL (n = 15). All participants had high
cervical spinal cord injuries (C3-5). Groups were video recorded, transcribed
verbatim and analysed using descriptive phenomenological analysis. FINDINGS:
Findings revealed key elements of the meaning of living with EADL. Two key
themes, time alone and changed relationships are described. These contribute to
the super ordinate theme of autonomy. Findings suggest that participants
perceived improvements in both anticipated and actual lived experiences with
EADL. Themes are interrelated and together represent a summary of the experience
of living with environmental controls. The themes described are similar to those
found in other spinal injury studies relating to quality of life. CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlight differences in life experiences for those with and without
EADL and provides motivation to address this difference. Such insights are
valuable for both users and providers of EADL.

Langue : ANGLAIS