The lived experience of moving forward after spinal cord injury: a study using Parse research method

Aim

The purpose of this study is to discover the structure of the ("lived") real life experience of moving forward after sustaining a spinal cord injury using the Parse research method. Another goal is to better understand the impact of the Taiwanese culture on this experience. The overall goal is to improve the quality of life for patients with spinal cord injury.

Methods

This study was conducted in a Rehabilitation Hospital and Spinal Injury Association in the middle of Taiwan. Participants were 15 clients with spinal cord injury. The Parse research method was used to answer the research question: what is the structure of the lived experience of moving forward? The Parse research method illuminates the structure of lived experiences of health, such as moving forward, through the processes of dialogical engagement, extraction-synthesis and heuristic interpretation.

Results

The central finding of this study is the following structure: the lived experience of moving forward is a triumphing over handicaps, an ability to transition thoughts with an open mind, an emergence of self-worth based on one's faith.

Discussion

The findings are discussed in relation to human becoming, related literature and future research. The concept of client-centered care is discussed.