Abstract
Research objective
This study aimed to provide patient perspectives on the meaning of botulinum toxin therapy in the management of spasticity for individuals with long-term neurological conditions.
Population and sampling
Adults with long-term neurological conditions receiving botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity were invited through local neurological outpatient clinics. Five participants (45-70yrs) with stroke (2), transverse myelitis, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis were recruited.
Methods of data collection and analysis
This study drew on philosophical hermeneutics and used semi-structured interviews to gather data. Analysis used a hermeneutic approach to analyse accounts and participants' responses to preliminary interpretations informed theme development.
Findings
An overarching theme of Making Lives Better was underpinned by four sub-themes; Bodily felt changes; Rewinding the loss and regaining ability; Psychological and social wellbeing; and Restoring the self. The themes encompassed benefits of how their limbs and bodies looked and felt following injections and for how their limbs could be moved or postured with greater ease, comfort and normal appearance. Improvements in their spasticity also produced valued life-improving experiences in how they perceived themselves and were perceived by others. These effects were interconnected with feeling more relaxed, less stressed, less tired and offered them a valued return to a less impacted, normal personhood and self.
Conclusions
The meaning of botulinum toxin therapy for people living with a long-term neurological condition wasfound to have impacts and benefits that have not been previously described. Further research and consideration in clinical practice of the non-observable, personal and wider value and implications
This study aimed to provide patient perspectives on the meaning of botulinum toxin therapy in the management of spasticity for individuals with long-term neurological conditions.
Population and sampling
Adults with long-term neurological conditions receiving botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity were invited through local neurological outpatient clinics. Five participants (45-70yrs) with stroke (2), transverse myelitis, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis were recruited.
Methods of data collection and analysis
This study drew on philosophical hermeneutics and used semi-structured interviews to gather data. Analysis used a hermeneutic approach to analyse accounts and participants' responses to preliminary interpretations informed theme development.
Findings
An overarching theme of Making Lives Better was underpinned by four sub-themes; Bodily felt changes; Rewinding the loss and regaining ability; Psychological and social wellbeing; and Restoring the self. The themes encompassed benefits of how their limbs and bodies looked and felt following injections and for how their limbs could be moved or postured with greater ease, comfort and normal appearance. Improvements in their spasticity also produced valued life-improving experiences in how they perceived themselves and were perceived by others. These effects were interconnected with feeling more relaxed, less stressed, less tired and offered them a valued return to a less impacted, normal personhood and self.
Conclusions
The meaning of botulinum toxin therapy for people living with a long-term neurological condition wasfound to have impacts and benefits that have not been previously described. Further research and consideration in clinical practice of the non-observable, personal and wider value and implications
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
| Event | REHAB 2021 - LIVING AND AGEING WITH LONG TERM CONDITIONS - online Duration: 9 Nov 2021 → 10 Nov 2021 https://eventdex.force.com/BLN_RegistrationDym?id=a196S000008XepqQAC#aboutus |
Conference
| Conference | REHAB 2021 - LIVING AND AGEING WITH LONG TERM CONDITIONS |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | BSRM, SRR, ACPPLD conference |
| Period | 9/11/21 → 10/11/21 |
| Internet address |