Hand-injured Patients' Experiences of Cold Sensitivity and the Consequences and Adaptation for Daily Life: A Qualitative Study
published online 18 September 2009.
Abstract
Study Design
Qualitative descriptive.
Introduction
Cold sensitivity is a common and persistent complaint after hand injuries.
Purpose of the Study
To explore the experiences of severe cold sensitivity, its consequences for daily life, and the strategies for enduring and enabling occupation.
Methods
Fifteen hand-injured patients with abnormal cold sensitivity were interviewed. The transcribed text was analyzed using manifest and latent content analysis. Experiences of triggering factors, symptoms, and relieving strategies were described.
Results
The consequences and adaptation in daily life entailed a change in life roles, a struggle to maintain self-image and changed occupational performance and/or occupational patterns.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach, including a screening of patients' occupational roles and patterns as well as psychosocial needs, to obtain the information needed to support patients with severe cold sensitivity to achieve a sense of control and self-mastery.
Level of Evidence
not applicable.
Department of Hand Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden
Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
The Vårdal Institute, Lund University, Sweden
Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
Correspondence and reprint requests to Ingela Kristina Carlsson, Reg OT, MSc, Department of Hand Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
ABSTRACT