Adaptation to hand injury: an evolving experience.
OBJECTIVE
Objectives of this study were to examine similarities and differences in physical recovery and psychosocial adaptation, engagement in occupations and relationships, perceived outcomes and expectations, and adaptive issues and strategies of 5 participants from an ongoing longitudinal study of adaptation to hand injury.


METHODS
Participants were tracked for 12 months using quantitative measures of physical recovery and psychosocial adaptation, and qualitative adaptation interviews focused on the impact of an injury experience in clients' daily lives. A computerized graphic format documented changes over time in key quantitative and qualitative indicators in individual Adaptation Trajectories.


RESULTS
Findings included the importance of motivating occupations and relationships, changes over time in expectations for the future, and differences between independent and interdependent adaptive strategies following hand injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Connections between the International Classification of Functioning and Disability domains of body systems, activity capabilities, and social participation were examined. Findings support the value of individualized, occupation-based therapy that addresses the mind and spirit as well as physical recovery in occupational therapy practice with hand injury clients.
Chan
Josephine
J
School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, 1130 John Freeman Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. schan@twu.edu
Spencer
Jean
J
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular