Exploring the experience of people who use cervical neck collars

Cervical neck collars can lead to preventable conditions such as pressure ulcers. Without the correct care, pressure ulcers can lead to pain, hospital stays, and damage to the muscle and bone under the skin. This study aims to investigate the experience of users who currently or have previously used cervical neck collars, with the hope of improving collar design in the future, to make them more comfortable and less likely to lead to complications such as pressure ulcers. The researchers would like to find out what users think currently works, and improvements which could be made to collars in the future. They hope that the results will inform designers of future collars about user’s priorities, areas which work well, and improvements that can be made.

How will this study help people with and affected by MND now and/or in the future?

This study will provide valuable insight into the lived experience of people who use cervical neck collars, identifying areas which could lead to improved comfort and skin health. This information could be used to inform the design of future collars or adaptations to current collars, which could improve the health and quality of life of people with MND who use cervical neck collars.

Taking Part

What does taking part involve?

People who take part will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, where they will be asked questions about their experience of using cervical neck collars as well as some demographic information. The questionnaire should take approximately 20 minutes. People can leave the questionnaire and come back to it at any time before the closing date on 31 October. 

Who can take part?

People who have used a cervical neck collar for more than 48 hours in the last year.

You will not be eligible to take part if:

  • You are younger than 18 or older than 90
  • You have a skin condition affecting the site of collar application
  • You have a condition which affects soft tissue health and recovery, including type II diabetes mellitus
  • You have sensory deficits affecting the site of collar application

How can I take part?

If you would like to take part in study visit the cervical neck collar survey, or for more information contact Chris Brant, Cb1d23@soton.ac.uk

Study location

UK-wide

Funding

NA