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This study aimed to: (1) develop a coding manual to characterize topics discussed and conversation techniques used during peer mentorship conversations between people with spinal cord injury (SCI); (2) assess the reliability of the manual; and (3) apply the manual to characterize conversations. The study was conducted in partnership with three Canadian provincial SCI organizations. Twenty-five phone conversations between SCI peer mentors and mentees were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Ten transcripts were inductively analyzed to develop a coding manual identifying topics and techniques used during the conversations. Inductive technique codes were combined and deductively linked to motivational interviewing and behaviour change techniques. Two coders independently applied the coding manual to all transcripts. Code frequencies were calculated. The coding manual included 14 topics and 31 techniques. The most frequently coded topics were personal information, recreational programs, and chronic health services for mentors and mentees. The most frequently coded techniques were giving personal information, social smoothers, and closed question for mentors; and giving personal information, social smoothers, and sharing perspective for mentees. This research provides insights into topics and techniques used during real-world peer mentorship conversations. Findings may be valuable for understanding and improving SCI peer mentorship programs. SCI peer mentorship conversations address a wide range of rehabilitation topics ranging from acute care to living in the community. Identification of the topics discussed, and techniques used in SCI peer mentorship conversations can help to inform formalized efforts to train and educate acute and community-based rehabilitation professionals. Identifying commonly discussed topics in SCI peer mentorship conversation may help to ensure that peer mentors are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources, or the development of those resources be prioritized. Developing a method to characterize the topics discussed and techniques used during SCI peer mentorship conversations may aid in designing methods to evaluate how rehabilitation professionals provide support to people with SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore sexuality after spinal cord injury (SCI) from the perspectives of individuals with SCI and their romantic partners. A sample of 8 Canadian adults with SCI (6 men, 2 women) and their partners participated in this study (N = 16). Semi-structured dyadic and individual interviews were conducted, discussions surrounding sexuality and intimacy were extracted, and a qualitative description of the interview data was performed using thematic analysis. Three major themes were identified: the changing definition of sex; emotions; and practical support. Couples' conversations around the changing definition of sex after SCI addressed the taboo topic of sexuality and the importance of communication between couples, peers, and healthcare providers. Emotions included fears of losing intimacy, embarrassment in managing bladder and bowel interference, and acceptance in balancing being a romantic partner and a caregiver. Finally, couples reported challenges accessing practical support including medical interventions and sexual health nurses, but saw value in peer mentorship programs. Couples explored a changing definition of sex following SCI that was complicated by the taboo nature of discussing sexuality, experienced a range of emotions throughout the recovery process, and had difficulties navigating the healthcare system for appropriate support. Healthcare professionals should promote discussion and provide support for sexuality following SCI, but during initial rehabilitation may be too early. Healthcare providers should prepare people with SCI and their partners for the inevitable trial-and-error process involved in sexual rehabilitation. Rehabilitation professionals could direct couples to SCI peer mentorship programs to help normalize the experiences and emotions of sexual rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objective: The purpose of the present study was to develop an understanding of successful aging (SA) meanings and influences that is informed by the lived experiences of people aging with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: This study was conducted in partnership with three Canadian provincial SCI organizations using an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach. To ensure findings were meaningful and practical to the three SCI organizations, the study was grounded in pragmatic philosophical assumptions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 people aging with long-term SCI (minimum 45 years of age; minimum 10-years postinjury). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: SA was understood as an interconnected and multifaceted concept that prioritizes health, participation, and independence. Participants discussed how SA was influenced negatively by personal (aging-related complications, intrapersonal emotional distress) and environmental (lack of available resources, differing community priorities) barriers. Participants reported that SA was positively influenced when individuals acted as self-advocates, were prepared and aware of aging-related changes, and maintained strong relationships with others. Conclusions/Implications: This study presents an initial, SCI-specific understanding of meanings and influences on SA. Although there were similarities between our findings and previous SA models, pertinent differences were also identified. Findings highlight that supporting quality participation experiences for people aging with long-term SCI may be an important direction SCI organizations can take to support their membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]