Caregiver expectations of recovery among persons with spinal cord injury at three and six months post-injury: A brief report.

Caregivers of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have increased risk of depression, anxiety, and diminished quality of life. Unmet expectations for recovery may contribute to poorer outcomes. Prospective, longitudinal observation study. Trauma/Critical care ICU at baseline, telephone for follow-ups.: Caregivers of patients with SCI ( = 13). None. Expectations for recovery were assessed across four primary domains identified in a review of the literature including: pain severity, level of engagement in social/recreational activities, sleep quality, and ability to return to work/school. Caregivers' forecasts of future recovery were compared to later perceived actual recovery. At three months, 75% of caregivers had unmet expectations for social engagement recovery, 50% had unmet expectations for pain decrease, and 42% had unmet expectations for sleep improvement and resuming work. Rates of unmet expectations were similar at six months, with 70% of caregivers reporting unmet expectations for social engagement recovery, 50% with unmet expectations for pain decrease, and 40% with unmet expectations for sleep improvement. Unmet caregiver expectations for recovery could pose a risk for caregiver recovery and adjustment. Our results show that caregiver expectations merit further investigation for their link with caregiver mental health.