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BMC Neurology

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Tetraparesis | Research

Nerve transfer surgery in spinal cord injury: online information sharing

Authors: Syena Moltaji, Christine B. Novak, Jana Dengler

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Nerve transfer to improve upper extremity function in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is a new reconstructive option, and has led to more people seeking and sharing surgical information and experiences. This study evaluated the role of social media in information-sharing on nerve transfer surgery within the SCI community.

Methods

Data were collected from Facebook, which is the favored information-sharing platform among individuals seeking medical information. Searched terms included ‘spinal cord injury’ and ‘SCI’ and excluded groups with: less than two members (n = 7); closed groups (n = 2); not pertaining to SCI (n = 13); restricted access (n = 36); and non-English (n = 2). Within public and private accessed groups, searches were conducted for ‘nerve’, ‘transfer’, ‘nerve transfer’, and ‘nerve surgery’. Each post about nerve transfer, responses to posts, and comments about nerve transfer in response to unrelated posts were tabulated. Thematic content analyses were performed and data were categorized as seeking information, sharing information, sharing support, and sharing appreciation.

Results

The search yielded 99 groups; 35 met the inclusion criteria (average size = 2007, largest = 12,277). Nerve transfer was discussed in nine groups, with 577 total mentions. In the seeking information axis, posts were related to personal experience (54%), objective information (31%), surgeon/center performing the procedure (9%), and second opinion (4%). At least 13% of posts were from individuals learning about nerve transfers for the first time. In the sharing information axis, the posts: shared personal experience (52%); shared objective information (13%); described alternative treatment (3%); tagged someone to share information (11%); linked to outside resources (12%); and recommended a specific surgeon/center (9%).

Conclusion

Social media is an important source of information and support for people with SCI. There is a paucity of information on nerve transfers. These study findings will inform implementation of future education strategies.

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Title: Nerve transfer surgery in spinal cord injury: online information sharing
Authors: Syena Moltaji
Christine B. Novak
Jana Dengler
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Tetraparesis
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02209-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Nerve transfer surgery in spinal cord injury: online information sharing

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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