Table 4 Summary of identified facilitators and barriers to self-management, corresponding self-management program components, and implementation considerations in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury and their caregivers

-Physical support from the caregiver (F)

-Caregiver component (i.e., skills training and emotional support)

-Training and support for caregivers needs to be responsive to the evolving needs of individuals with traumatic SCI (i.e., as they age and/or develop chronic conditions)

-Emotional support from the caregiver (F)

-The sustainability of caregiver activities and support required in SCI may be affected by aging and/or the chronic health conditions among caregivers themselves

-Caregiver burnout (B)

-Peer support and feedback (F)

-Peer support component

-Matching peer mentors and mentees by specific demographic and clinical/injury characteristics (age, sex, etiology of injury) should be considered

-Timing of support should be considered (e.g., acute phase of recovery may be too early)

-Maintaining Independence/Control over Care (F)

-Self-efficacy component

-Time since injury may play an important role in (increasing) self-efficacy in traumatic SCI

-Importance of Positive Outlook and Acceptance (F)

-Mood (depression) component (or Mind-Body component)

-Time since injury may play an important role in (increasing) mood in traumatic SCI

-Difficulty Achieving Positive Outlook or Mood (B)

-Physical limitations and secondary complications, chronic conditions, and co-morbid traumatic brain injury should be considered

-Physical Limitations and Secondary Complications (B)

-Funding and Funding Policies (B)

-Awareness/knowledge of various funding programs

-Health system factors (funding, accessibility) need to be optimized for overall self-management optimization among individuals with traumatic SCI and their caregivers

-Lack of accessibility (B)

-Advocacy skills training