Table 3 List of themes

Psychological background before the action

Hastiness

We all feel hasty while going to the toilet because we want to relieve ourselves as quickly as possible. (P6)

10

Hesitation to call for help

I’m reluctant (to call for the staff) because I know they are busy. What I dislike the most is to call for them and bother them. (P6)

9

Support for the action

Past experience of doing the action safely

I was fairly stable while doing a series of movements to sit on the toilet. (P5)

20

Confidence to take the action

I thought it would be fine. (P12)

19

Challenge to move

I tried to get it done myself. (P1)

4

Direct causes of the fall

Unfamiliar action

I am not used to riding in a wheelchair. (P4)

7

Training fatigue

Rehab sessions have been getting harder lately, and I have increased accumulated fatigue in my left leg, which is the paralyzed side. (P10)

4

Surrounding environment

I always felt that it is slippery here. (P4)

5

Reduced physical function due to paralysis

I did not expect it to feel this heavy. (P6)

19

Lack of attention

This is nobody’s fault but mine: I was a bit careless. (P9)

11

Overconfidence in their own ability

I may have been a little overconfident while feeling that I have gained strength. (P2)

18

Insufficient prediction of falls

I did not think I would fall. (P16)

9

Patients’ awareness after the fall

Re-affirming difficult movements

I found stepping back difficult. After the fall, I was convinced that I must not take a step back. (P2)

8

Need for rehabilitation

If I get the time, I want to try rehabilitating this leg too, until completion. (P7)

4

Reduced ability to move

I learned that I could easily get imbalanced, even due to (an easy) movement like this. (P6)

22

Risk of falling

Similar things can happen when I go home. (P7)

8

Need for attention while moving

I learned that I have to be attentive at all times. (P11)

18

Development of fear of falling

After that (fall), even walking is tough. I’m scared when there are people and wheelchairs in my path. (P13)

1

Lack of lessons learned from falling

It (falling) is not that big a deal, so I do not think much of it. (P18)

20

Changes in attitudes and behaviours after the fall

Positive attitude to cope with the risk of falling

I know I am bad at stepping back. I practised hard for these days (in rehabilitation training). It is also what Mr. X (the therapist) pointed out. (P2)

9

Behavioural changes for reducing the risk of falling

I start (the movement) after imagining how I would carry out the movement. (P19)

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