Online support for individuals with spinal cord injuries: An ethnographic investigation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although social support is an important protective factor for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), individuals often encounter significant barriers to obtaining support after experiencing a SCI. It has been suggested that the Internet may serve to help individuals with disabilities overcome common barriers in obtaining support, yet research examining the efficacy of Internet-based support for individuals with SCI has been mixed. OBJECTIVE: To develop a more nuanced understanding of how individuals with SCI can or might use the Internet for support. DESIGN: Using an ethnographic approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine individuals with SCI to explore perceived needs and barriers to information-seeking and online support. SETTING: Participants were recruited from Veterans Administration medical center outpatient and inpatient units providing specialty care to individuals with SCIs and from a community SCI Center of Excellence. RESULTS: Individuals with SCI gain emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support from online sources. CONCLUSIONS: Online resources can provide important opportunities for social support for individuals with SCI.