The meaning of work after spinal cord injury: a scoping review

Study design Scoping review. Objectives To explore the meaning of work after spinal cord injury (SCI) in existing literature. Methods Arksey and O’Malley’s widely used methodological framework for scoping reviews was used to guide this review. Studies involving adults with SCI, conducted using qualitative methods, and published in peer reviewed literature were identified based on key terms and searches in three databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO). Further search steps included checking citations in identified articles and citation tracking for other relevant articles and reviews. Reported qualitative data were then thematically analysed to generate themes. Results Twelve studies were included. Three themes were identified across these studies that describe the meanings of work after spinal cord injury: re-developing a sense of self, re-establishing place in the community and regaining economic self-sufficiency. Conclusions The varied meanings of work after SCI identified in this review may be used in rehabilitation programs to explore ideas about work, the types of work they wish to pursue, and the ways in which work may be meaningful for people with SCI, so as to identify individually and contextually relevant work. Taking account of meaning in ICF based models of work participation could enhance patient-centred approaches in SCI rehabilitation.