Rehabilitative needs of individuals with spinal cord injury resulting from gun violence: The perspective of nursing and rehabilitation professionals

Abstract 

Gunshot wounds are the third-leading cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States, accounting for 1,500–2,000 injuries annually, predominantly among young urban males. Timely and comprehensive rehabilitation is however essential to produce successful functional recovery and social reintegration. This qualitative exploratory study determines how rehabilitation professionals view the rehabilitation process of violently acquired SCI survivors and the challenges to meet rehabilitative needs. Eleven professionals from various professions described psychological, social, and economic barriers in the rehabilitation process. Achieving positive outcomes is hampered by a lack of information about resources, access to vocational rehabilitation, peer support, and accessible housing options after discharge.