Table 3.
Themes and examples of further corresponding quotes.
| Lost access to health services and support | Also many appointments have been canceled such as wheelchair maintenance, MRI scans, bladder checks and EMGs. Cardio departments, however, as well as some female health screening clinics are still going ahead. None of it makes sense as to what continues and what is canceled. With SCI we need many health services, and when they're canceled or significantly delayed the results can be serious. (Participant #21, SCD) |
| I have had several urine & kidney infections over the summer but have not been able to see a health professional. The standard of care I have received has not been of an adequate standard … I have felt extremely low and depressed at times but unsupported by any health care team. (Participant #18, LoI: Thoracic) | |
| I can no longer afford a Carer. I live on my own and I am frightened of doing transfers. The council has given me a red button but I am still scared every time I transfer. (Participant #33, LoI: Thoracic) | |
| It has meant I haven't had any check-ups/scans with the spinal unit which I would normally do. (Participant #8, LoI: Cervical) | |
| Health anxiety | I feel less inclined to go out [for a] walk. I visit my elderly mother a few times a week. But then go home and mainly stay in away from people. (Participant #36, LoI: Cervical) |
| I was so scared of catching COVID-19 as a single Mum of 2 children aged 14 & 12. (Participant #43, SCD) | |
| Trying not to get sick as I don’t want to go into hospital again. I’ve had sepsis since discharge and been back into hospital 3 times in 6 months. I am anxious about COVID risk. (Participant #29, LoI: Cervical) | |
| Social isolation | Lost all of my social contact in terms of physical meetings- social events, pubs, meals etc. I only have contact with my live-in carers. Luckily I have two long term good carers whom I get on well with which makes a huge difference. (Participant #8, LoI: Cervical) |
| I see very few people now. I haven't seen my children or grandchildren since March. I occasionally see my parents but we socially distance when I do. (Participant #14, LoI: Thoracic) | |
| I am really lonely as I cannot get out by myself. Social media, just, saves my sanity. (Participant #33, LoI: Thoracic) |