Exploring the views on the current and future use of functional electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury: a questionnaire development study

Tedesco Triccas, Lisa, Donovan-Hall, Maggie, Burridge, Jane, Ellis-Hill, Caroline, Dibb, Bridget and Rushton, David (2011) Exploring the views on the current and future use of functional electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury: a questionnaire development study. 2nd Annual Conference of the IFESS (UK and Ireland Chapter), Dublin, Ireland. 10 - 11 Mar 2011.

Abstract

Introduction
For nearly half a century FES has been used in the treatment and management of physical problems encountered by people with SCI, such as bladder and bowel control, pain relief, and improvement of movement. Despite intensive research and development, only a small percentage of people who potentially benefit use FES illustrating with the translation from research to clinical practice. Although there has been growing recognition and some research (e.g. 1, 2) exploring the user’s perspective, little research has been carried out within the UK which can be used to guide the future use of FES in SCI.

Aim
The aim of this study was to explore views of people with SCI, healthcare professions and researchers about the current and future use of FES.

Methods
The design of the study was qualitative employing a focus group approach. A total of eight focus groups lasting between 90 to 120 minutes were carried out with people recruited from a FES researcher’s network and spinal centres throughout the UK. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique to ensure that the sample was diverse in terms of age, level and severity of injury and whether they had previous experience of using FES.

Results
Thematic analysis identified five categories of themes relating to the different 1) decision to use FES, 2) physical improvements, 3) doing something active, 4) lack of resources, and 5) future use of FES. Key issues effecting the uptake and use of FES seemed to relate to resource issues, carrying out screening and checking the suitability of patients, and the lack of agreed protocols and procedures regarding the application of FES.

Discussion and Conclusions
These findings can be seen as a starting point to try and understand issues regarding the current and future use of FES in the UK. We have started to provide an outline of key issues related to the translation and application of FES research into clinical practice and illustrated some of the critical issues that require further investigation. These findings can be used to develop a series of questionnaires to explore the extent to which these beliefs are held by the wider SCI community.

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Contributors

Author: Jane Burridge

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