Introduction:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a chronic condition that affects the spinal cord and causes alterations in motor, sensory and autonomic function. This pathology does not affect only the patient, but also imposes changes on the family unit. Assuming the role of a caregiver can negatively affect the health of family members, causing poor coping of the disease and limiting the provision of quality care.

Objective:

Know about the coping experiences of the families of patients with SCI.

Material and Methods:

A narrative review of the evidence available in the last 10 years was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO.

Results:

14 articles were included. The following categories emerged: requirements to be a family caregiver, effects on the caregiver, adaptation difficulty, role changes, social support, and positive aspects.

Conclusions:

Families of patients with SCI experience multiple changes and difficulties when coping with this new situation. Understanding these experiences is necessary to develop interventions aimed to address the needs of family caregivers and thus promoting positive coping with the disease.

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