Experiences of persons with spinal cord injury, their family members, and health care providers during transitions in care in Alberta: a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis

People with Spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience multiple transitions during their healthcare journey. This qualitative study aims to understand experiences of people with SCI, and perceptions from family members, and some healthcare providers on the transitions through the healthcare system in Alberta, Canada. Using purposive sampling, 49 participants were interviewed, including 22 people with SCI and 27 stakeholders, including family members and providers, a community-based participatory research study was conducted. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic inductive comparative analyses of transcripts along with interviewers’ field notes. We identified the following nine overarching themes identifying 9 key areas (1) communication; (2) compassion, (3) healthcare providers’ empathy, and humility; (4) continuity of care; (5) adequate preparation for discharge; (6) availability and accessibility of resources in the community; (7) mental health supports; (8) peer support and support from community-based organizations; and (9) education and managing of healing expectations. Interpreting these themes allowed us to identify key areas of opportunity to improve the transitions of people living with SCI in Alberta. Transitions in care after SCI is a complex phenomenon. In the absence of continuity of care across the healthcare services, people with SCI are susceptible to adverse health outcomes. Addressing the identified gaps within these transitions will improve their quality. The transitions in care after spinal cord injuries are constituted by many points and heavily rely on accessibility and availability of services, integrated through a good continuity of care that comes from education and commutation.Rehabilitation professionals should increase their education on SCI, especially on appropriate management of healing and recovery expectations.Rehabilitation professionals should integrate mental health supports and peer supports to the multidisciplinary care they provide for person with SCI.Rehabilitation professionals should operate in framework of compassion and empathy during the care for person with SCI. The transitions in care after spinal cord injuries are constituted by many points and heavily rely on accessibility and availability of services, integrated through a good continuity of care that comes from education and commutation. Rehabilitation professionals should increase their education on SCI, especially on appropriate management of healing and recovery expectations. Rehabilitation professionals should integrate mental health supports and peer supports to the multidisciplinary care they provide for person with SCI. Rehabilitation professionals should operate in framework of compassion and empathy during the care for person with SCI.