Assessment and Treatment of Families of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an unanticipated traumatic event that affects the entire family. Although rehabilitation professionals can play a crucial role in facilitating successful family adjustment, there has been limited empirical and theoretical work to identify factors that should be considered in working with families coping with SCI. In this article, components of assessment and intervention believed to be fundamental in fostering family adaptation to SCI are discussed. Four broad areas of assessment, including identification of the family, family boundaries, developmental roles, and coping skills, are reviewed. The importance of creative treatment planning, with consideration of reasonable therapeutic goals and the facilitation of appropriate team and family involvement in the rehabilitation process, is also discussed, with emphasis on effective communication between the patient, the family, and the rehabilitation team and the need for flexibility in working together to maximize patient independence and family adjustment.