A qualitative study on the experiences of individuals with
neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis,
and SCI, who participated in the Stanford Chronic Disease
Self-Management Program, determined that the participants
with SCI reported the least satisfaction with the program
[16]. Individuals with SCI as well as some of the
facilitators themselves suggested assembling a SCI-focused
group (e.g., individuals with SCI needed information specific
to and modules adopted for being in a wheelchair/reduced
mobility). In addition, they also found that when
attendant care is an important component (as is the case in
individuals with SCI), a different approach may be needed
to teach self-management skills (i.e., being a good director
of care, instead of a person who actually manages care independently)
[16]. Collectively, these findings point to the
need for greater understanding of the self-management
strategies adopted by individuals with SCI who are managing
well. This information could then be used to inform
the components of a self-management program for individuals
with SCI. For the purposes of this study, selfmanagement
is defined as: “…the tasks that individuals
must undertake to live with one or more chronic conditions.
These tasks include having the confidence to deal with the
medical management, role management, and emotional
management of their conditions”