Patient's perspectives regarding support needed whilst wearing a corrective spinal brace for scoliosis

Abstract

This qualitative study is set out to explore patient's perspective regarding support needed whilst wearing a corrective spinal brace for scoliosis. The study has three main objectives, firstly to investigate feelings of individuals using a corrective spinal brace for scoliosis. Secondly, to identify any support needed by such adolescents while wearing the spinal brace. Thirdly, to find out what support these clients yearn to obtain from support groups or support individuals. Convenient sampling was employed, whereby 10 adolescent patients were chosen according to the inclusion criteria. 8 participants chose to take part in the study. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interviews and was analyzed and sorted manually using content analysis. The main themes that emerged from this analysis were themes related to the description of treatment, feelings related to treatment, the people who are acknowledged as supporters and the type of support needed during brace experience. Results in the present research study suggested that brace treatment experience may produce feelings related to fear, pain, shame and stress. Whilst keeping in mind that adolescence is a sensitive phase of young's people development, results illustrated how brace treatment can intrude in the life of these respondents in fact many of the participants confessed their lack of compliance and they expressed reasons. In an attempt to control this life-changing experience, patients believed that the support accomplished by their family members (particularly the mother), friends and teachers was highly significant and such support made them cope better with their feelings. Respondents recalled the importance of support given by persons experiencing simultaneous situation. Results also demonstrated how support therapies are helpful in reducing isolation, normalizing the experience and create a sense of belonging and validate the needs and feelings of every individual. Finally support groups and support individuals were marked essential since according to participants these could provide informational support, emotional support and social support. Sequentially, the researcher set some recommendations in attempt to improve the accessibility of support for these entities and their families. To counteract the limiting factor presented in this study of the small sample size, it is recommended that similar studies are carried out with a much greater sample, possibly including more males and allow participants to discuss issues in focus groups. It is recommended that during practice, health care professionals such as nurses take into account patients undergoing brace treatment and apply their holistic care during such temporary treatment. On a clinical management it is suggested that individuals undergoing brace treatment are given an opportunity to meet and discuss brace-related experiences, thoughts and feelings. Group interventions can enhance patients to strengthen their compliance through planning and motivation. On an educational level, the multidisciplinary team dealing with scoliotic patients should encounter to discuss and reinforce their plan of care to support patients and families and increase public awareness about scoliosis and brace-wearing.