Perspectives on the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the employment and quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries: Results of an inclusive community conversation

Background Earlier research has focused on the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective The present study revisits lessons learned from the previous study and assesses the longer-term effects of the pandemic. Methods We used a community conversation method to inform our analysis. The themes examined include adapting to a “new normal” way of interacting with the world, employment, social isolation, and physical and mental health. Results We found that a person's ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a major predictor of how one will respond to the aftermath of a pandemic, and that this adaptability is heightened for persons with SCI. Conclusion Service providers, healthcare professionals, employers, and persons with SCI should be attuned to the impact of an individual's adaptation skills when dealing with long term societal social upheavals. This is particularly relevant for the SCI community, and continued inclusive research is necessary to understand these effects.