Factors Facilitating Access to Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation services as a set of measures to improve health, increase independence, and facilitate return to everyday life are mandatory for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The most critical challenge that has emerged in recent years to provide these services in a timely and appropriate manner is the global spread of the coronavirus. Accordingly, this study aimed to explain the factors facilitating access to rehabilitation services for individuals with spinal cord injuries during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis method in Tehran, Iran in 2023. A total of 25 participants selected via purposive sampling, participated in the study. Data were collected and analyzed using semi-structured interviews. MAXQDA 2020 software was used to organize the collected data and facilitate their coding. Results: The analysis of participants’ experiences led to the identification of 876 codes, 9 subcategories, and 4 main categories as factors facilitating access to rehabilitation services. The main categories included supportive community, optimized health services, therapeutic facilities, and reliance on individual abilities. Conclusion: According to the findings, appropriate access to rehabilitation services requires a comprehensive understanding and an accurate identification of the facilitators. Therefore, the results of this study can be used in policymaking, planning, and developing appropriate protocols to improve the access of individuals with spinal cord injuries to rehabilitation services during critical times similar to the coronavirus pandemic in the future.