Trends in self-management research in spinal cord injury: A scoping review of study designs and findings
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Context
Self-management (SM) is essential for people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to maintain independence and improve their quality of life. The literature on SM interventions reveals gaps in understanding how and why SM works or does not work, and influencing factors that should be considered in future interventions.
Objective
To explore the study designs and their trends over time, and to synthesize their key findings.
Methods
Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched. Included were original peer-reviewed studies with adult participants. Study characteristics and trends were summarized, and results were analyzed through a thematic narrative synthesis.
Results
Fifty-two articles were included, mostly conducted in the last six years in the community. They mostly focus on issues like pressure injuries and catheterization. Recent years show a shift towards qualitative and mixed-methods research, more inpatient studies, and greater diversity in SM problems. Studies’ findings highlighted individual factors (knowledge, psychological well-being, SM integration ), interpersonal and societal influences (patient-provider relationships, societal contexts), and technological integration (enhancement of SM outcomes, usability, and feasibility) as important aspect of SM.
Conclusions
This review shows increase and diversified research on SM in SCI. Findings emphasize the importance of operationalizing knowledge through skill development, integrating SM into daily routines, and fostering effective communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Longitudinal studies from rehabilitation to community reintegration in diverse contexts are needed to understand and monitor SM over time.
