Changes in life roles after hand injury.

This study examines how acute hand injuries affect patients in their roles as spouse, caregiver, and/or worker. Qualitative data from patient interviews were used to analyze how these life roles were affected by the individuals' hand injuries. Data were extracted from interviews of three hand patients who had one or more roles of spouse, caregiver, and/or worker affected by their injury. Data were then examined and categorized for each life role by participant. Participants' views of how hand therapy affected their recovery and resumption of occupational role performance were also examined. Results showed that the participants expressed profound degrees of change in their ability to perform satisfactorily in their various life roles.