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Research Article  |   May 2009
Response Factors Surrounding Progression of Pressure Ulcers in Community-Residing Adults With Spinal Cord Injury
Claudia A. Dunn; Mike Carlson; Jeanne M. Jackson; Florence A. Clark
Author Affiliations
  • Claudia A. Dunn, MA, OTR/L, is Doctoral Student, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 11684 Ventura Boulevard., Suite 470, Studio City, CA 91604; cdunndeal@earthlink.net
  • Mike Carlson, PhD, is Research Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Jeanne M. Jackson, PhD, is Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • Florence A. Clark, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is Professor and Chairperson, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Spinal Cord Injury / Wound Management / Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Research Article   |   May 2009
Response Factors Surrounding Progression of Pressure Ulcers in Community-Residing Adults With Spinal Cord Injury
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2009, Vol. 63, 301-309. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.3.301
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2009, Vol. 63, 301-309. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.3.301
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study examined how community-dwelling adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) respond in real-life circumstances after detecting a low-grade (Stage 1 or Stage 2) pressure ulcer.

METHOD. We performed a secondary analysis of personal information profiles obtained in a previous qualitative research study. Profiles were examined to explore how individualized lifestyle considerations affected pressure ulcer risk in 19 adults with SCI who responded to an early ulcer that later progressed to a medically serious level.

RESULTS. On the basis of a total of 46 pressure ulcer events, we identified a typological framework that described eight primary response categories and seven subcategories.

CONCLUSION. The findings have significant practice implications for occupational therapists who provide services for adults with SCI living in the community. The importance of combining an initial individualized preventive intervention with structured follow-up within a person’s unique everyday life setting is further explored.