Unmet Needs of Individuals With Acute Traumatic Eye Injury

Author:

Gerolamo Angela M.1ORCID,Gentsch Alexzandra2,Alexander Rachel3,Paglia Helen2,Schlegel Lauren2,Rising Kristin L.2

Affiliation:

1. College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

2. Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

3. College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Abstract

Introduction: Although traumatic eye injuries can have a far-reaching impact on an individual and society, traumatic eye injury has not been a focus of research. The purpose of this study is to examine individuals’ experiences after traumatic vision loss and identify their needs. Methods: We used a qualitative approach to conduct semi-structured interviews with individuals who experienced traumatic vision loss and were treated at a specialty eye hospital in an urban setting. Participants also completed a demographic survey and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire–25 (VFQ-25). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data. Results: Interviews with 26 participants resulted in three categories of patient needs: informational, functional, and psychosocial. Participants wanted more information from providers about what to expect over time and identified driving as a significant challenge that affected their daily lives. Participants offered suggestions for addressing their functional needs including assistance with transportation to appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Participants also discussed how vision loss affected their livelihood and finances, with a subset of participants experiencing significant mental health distress. Some participants suggested that a recovery coach, peer support, support groups, and mental health services would be beneficial for addressing their psychosocial needs. Discussion: Our findings point to a significant gap in services available to meet the needs of individuals with traumatic eye injuries. Future research is needed to test the effect of an integrated-care model that includes routine offering of psychosocial and functional services for patients with acute vision loss to determine the effect on outcomes. Implications for Practitioners: This work has far-reaching implications for providers, since it supports the need for the development and delivery of integrated interventions that emphasize addressing psychosocial and functional aspects of recovery.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Rehabilitation,Ophthalmology

Cited by 2 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3