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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: The hand is a highly specialized part of the body used to perform many functions. Injury causing permanent change affects a person biologically, psychologically, and socially. This literature review aims to study coping strategies that people adopt in order to deal with a major hand injury.
METHOD: A qualitative literature search was carried out using relevant databases. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, which resulted in eight appropriate papers. Each one was critically appraised and analysed in a narrative way for patterns, consistencies, and variance.
FINDINGS: Coping strategies were found to alter over time. In the short term, strategies employed included avoidance, processing the trauma experience, seeking assistance, and maintaining control. In the long term, strategies included acceptance/resignation, resuming occupations, and adjusting occupational roles. Recommendations for intervention included addressing psychosocial impacts, involving significant others in therapy, and incorporating occupational adaptation.
CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of coping strategies depends on the individual and their unique circumstances; hand therapists must work in a holistic and client-centred way to find effective strategies that meet the individual's needs. This involves addressing psychosocial and functional adaptation, as well as physical rehabilitation. |