Article

Environmental Control Systems (ECS) have many benefits; however studies
of personal experience of ECS use are scarce. This qualitative study explored the
insiders' experience of using an ECS. METHOD: An ECS starter-pack was compiled
and trialled for an eight-week period with six persons with high spinal cord
injuries (SCI) living in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently
completed with each person and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological
Analysis (IPA). FINDINGS: Two major themes emerged: "Taking back a little of what
has been lost", and "Getting used to ECS" which is the focus of the current
paper. This theme captured a dynamic interplay between the experience of "hassle"
and "engagement" for new users of ECS. "Hassle" resulted from technological
frustrations and the challenge of breaking familiar habits, while "Engagement"
resulted from feeling good, having fun and being surprised. CONCLUSIONS: The
complex interweaving of hassle and engagement experienced by new ECS users
reflects the clinical experience of rehabilitation providers. The importance of
overcoming initial hassle needs to be understood by clinicians and users in order
to maximise the potential benefit of ECS. Non-use must be considered one
reasonable outcome if based on realistic ECS trials.

Langue : ANGLAIS