# THE SWEDISH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROJECT TO ENHANCE LIFE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: SYNTHESIZED EVIDENCE OF NEEDS TO BE MET, RESEARCHER PRIORITIES, AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS

## TL;DR

This study summarizes the needs and challenges of people with spinal cord injuries in Sweden, highlighting the importance of holistic care and support systems.

## Contribution

The study aggregates insights from three parallel studies to identify key needs, research priorities, and knowledge gaps for improving life with spinal cord injury.

## Key findings

- People with SCI require a holistic healthcare and support system that addresses their unique needs.
- Aging with SCI involves ongoing challenges that must be acknowledged and supported.
- Support for family members enhances their ability to assist individuals with SCI.

## Abstract

The aim of this report is to describe the aggregated insights and key findings from a Swedish need assessment project. The project comprised 3 parallel studies identifying [a] needs to be met, [b] research questions, and [c] knowledge translation gaps related to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

The project included people living with SCI, their relatives, health professionals, and personal care assistants. Analyses were conducted with the aim of identifying commonalities and connections between the results of the 3 individual studies.

The aggregated insights and key findings from this project can be summarized into 3 themes. First, a well-functioning healthcare, rehabilitation, and supporting system must have a holistic perspective on what it means to live with SCI. Second, aging is about living with the SCI and getting old with the SCI. Third, when family members receive their own support, they can provide good support to the person living with SCI.

New evidence from the Swedish needs assessment project reveals the needs that currently have the greatest impact on improving the lives of people with SCI, which can guide researchers, healthcare providers, and knowledge translators.

This paper reports aggregated insights and key findings from a Swedish needs assessment project. The project has addressed [a] needs to be met, [b] research questions, and [c] knowledge translation gaps related to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results emphasized that people living with SCI have basic needs regarding relationships, being loved, and feeling secure – similar to everyone else – however, aspects related to the injury add to and/or challenge these basic needs. SCI impacts most parts of life and requires greater engagement with healthcare and authorities. Due to the complexity of living with SCI, understanding and flexibility regarding individual needs are desirable for an enhanced life.