Article

PURPOSE: To open a discourse on the concept of autonomy as a precursor for
participation in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) by exploring the
experiences about their perceived autonomy in their transition period from
hospital to home. METHOD: Based on the 'grounded theory' approach; in-depth, semi
structured interviews were conducted with 11 SCI-patients. A theoretical sampling
strategy was used and the data was analysed according to the constant comparative
method. RESULTS: To capture this complexity of autonomy, the results have been
structured in themes with regard to the self of the patient and his independency.
The analysis showed four different typologies of how autonomy is perceived; (1)
the active agent, (2) the active follower, (3) the passive follower and (4) the
passive victim. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation professionals can help individuals in
disconnecting their internalised ideal of independency to avoid the illusion of
being autonomous and can gain insight in the patients' typology and empower
patients to avoid the paradox of being autonomous. If the ultimate goal of
rehabilitation is participation; empowering the patient to achieve a 'sense of
agency' instead of autonomy is the central goal for rehabilitation professionals.
Empowerment and agency are key topics for the patient to gain mastery over his
own life.

Langue : ANGLAIS