Return to School Following Scoliosis Surgery: A Qualitative Analysis
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Date
2014-08
Authors
Jones, Kailyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate that recovering from Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation surgery
for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is extensive and demanding. Consequently, adolescents who
undergo the procedure must navigate challenges when returning to their daily lives. Arguably
one of the most prominent aspects of adolescents’ daily living is school, but the experience of
returning to school following spinal surgery has not been investigated. Considering that
successful school functioning is often considered a benchmark of childhood, the goal of this
study was to examine the experience of returning to school following spinal surgery. Specific
objectives were to (1) gain a firsthand account of participants return to school experience, (2)
explore the challenges adolescents faced, (3) explore the supports they found beneficial, and (4)
explore what role pain played in their return to school. Semi-structured interviews were
completed and responses analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants’
overall experience was captured by the core theme Recovery to Fitting in at School in which
adolescents were faced with the need to return to school and thus, a demand to find their way to a
successful school reintegration. Two intersecting themes assist in bringing forth an
understanding of the return to school experience. Needing to Return to School outlines the
challenges participants faced in their return to school. Finding Their Way describes the process
of learning to cope with challenges encountered. Implications for both healthcare and school
teams are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Scoliosis