Triangulation of veteran and provider models of preventing community-acquired pressure injuries in spinal cord injury to reveal convergence and divergence of perspectives.

Abstract

Context/objective: Community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPrI) are a common and costly complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). The majority of PrIs occur in the community, but there is little guidance in CAPrI prevention. This study describes how provider and veteran perspectives of CAPrI prevention converge and diverge.

Design: The Farmer triangulation method was used to compare two models from previous qualitative research describing provider and veteran perspectives of CAPrI prevention based on the framework of CAPrI risks, resources, and preventive activities. The previous qualitative research revealed the provider model of CAPrI prevention using semi-structured interviews with interprofessional SCI providers at the Veteran Health Administration (VA) (n = 30). A qualitative descriptive design using photovoice (n = 30) with or without guided tours (n = 15) revealed the Veteran model of CAPrI prevention.

Setting: The previous qualitative research was conducted at three geographically different VA spinal cord injury/disorder centers in the United States (north, south, west).

Participants: 30 interprofessional SCI providers; 30 Veterans living with SCI at three VA SCI Centers in the United States.

Interventions: n/a.

Outcome measures: Provider-Veteran perspectives of CAPrI prevention that demonstrated agreement, partial agreement, divergence, and silence.

Results: Providers and veterans agreed on what is basic care, and the importance of family, caregiver and health provider/system supports, but they viewed motivation, veteran role, informal supports, and adequacy of supports differently.

Conclusion: Understanding how SCI providers and veterans living with SCI view prevention in the community informs how to promote preventive care in the context of veterans' lives.