Article

PURPOSE: To identify, from the perspectives of people with spinal cord injury
(SCI), (a) appropriate components of a fatigue management programme; and (b)
important outcomes or indicators of success. METHOD: Collaborative, qualitative
methodology comprising four focus groups undertaken simultaneously in Kelowna,
Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Participants
included a purposive sample of 21 men and women with complete and incomplete SCI
of high and low tetraplegia and paraplegia. Two family members, two
care-providing assistants and four occupational therapists provided additional
information (total n=29). Interpretive data analysis identified common themes
addressing each research question. RESULTS: Building on those strategies they
perceived to facilitate coping with fatigue, the participants identified 10
components of a helpful fatigue management programme. Dimensions of 'successful'
outcomes from such a programme reflected quality of life concerns: enabling
people with SCI to do the things they value, enhancing their sense of control
over their lives, reducing pain and helplessness, increasing motivation and
enhancing relationships strained by fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies
many of the necessary elements of a fatigue management programme to meet the
specific needs of people with SCI; and ascertains important indicators of a
successful programme from the perspectives of those who must live with the
outcomes.

Langue : ANGLAIS