The Views of People With Spinal Cord Injury About the Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation

作者：Donovan Hall Maggie K^*; Burridge Jane; Dibb Bridget; Ellis Hill Caroline; Rushton David

来源：Artificial Organs, 2011, 35(3): 204-211.

DOI：10.1111/j.1525-1594.2011.01211.x

• Focus groups
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Health care provider perceptions
• Patient perceptions
• Psychosocial issues
• Qualitative research
• Spinal cord injury
• Thematic analysis
• User views

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a specialist technique that can be applied in several areas of spinal rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to explore views of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), health care professionals specializing in SCI, and researchers in FES about the current and future use of FES. A qualitative design using eight focus groups lasting 90 to 120 min was carried out throughout the UK. Purposive sampling was used to ensure diversity in age, level of SCI, severity of injury, and experience using FES. Thematic analysis identified five key themes. Decisions to use FES related to concerns over the screening and suitability of FES, ensuring parity between patients, and offering FES at the right stage of rehabilitation. Positive aspects of using FES related to themes regarding "physical improvements" and "doing something active." Barriers to using FES concerned a lack of resources, such as equipment and staff training, and the view that some FES devices were unreliable. This research highlights the importance of understanding the user's needs in the design of FES devices; improving provision, prescription and allocation of FES resources, and the need to consider psychosocial issues related to the initiation and use of FES.

• 出版日期2011-3