A systematic review of siblings' psychosocial outcomes following traumatic brain injury

'Family first' - feasibility and pilot outcomes of a community intervention for families of children in recovery following brain injury

PURPOSE

Feasibility and pilot outcomes of a new community-based program for families of children with acquired brain injury (ABI) are presented. Interventions, delivered by home-visiting and teletherapy, were underpinned by problem-solving therapy, narrative meaning making, goal-directed interventions and community system psychoeducation.

METHODS

Eighty-three families of children, who had sustained an ABI before 12 years of age, had an average of 13 sessions of the 'Family First' (FF) intervention. A mixed-methods prospective design was employed. Feasibility was evaluated through measures of accessibility and acceptability. Goal attainment scaling and pre-post changes on standardized questionnaires assessed changes in psychosocial adjustment and quality of life.

RESULTS

Feasibility analyses suggested engagement and retention of often hard to reach families and children with high psychosocial needs. Qualitative analyses suggested themes related to the accessibility of a unique service ('Nothing else like this out there' and 'Accessible and flexible') which facilitated 'Empowerment' within a family context ('A family affair'). Promising changes on standardized scales of behavior problems, competencies and child and family quality of life were discerned. Increased goal attainment scores were observed.

CONCLUSION

The FF program showed feasibility and promise. It impacted positively on the lives of children and families and improved capacity in supporting systems.

The psychosocial stressors of siblings of people with experiences of psychosis (SOPEP): A systematic narrative review across cultures

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to synthesise the psychosocial stressors of siblings of people with experiences of psychosis (SOPEP). Understanding the specific needs of siblings across diverse cultures would help mental health services to provide culturally specific psychosocial family and sibling-centred support. This may result in improved relationships between families, better psychosocial well-being for siblings and better outcomes for patients.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to explore the psychosocial stressors of SOPEP. Six databases were utilised to identify literature using qualitative methodology.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included that investigated the Psychosocial Stressors of SOPEP. SOPEP's experiences were influenced by various stages: individual factors, social factors, physical and macro-level environments. Six key components contributed to SOPEP's psychosocial stressors and facilitated or hindered their intentions, behaviours and experiences of caregiving. These were the SOPEP's beliefs about psychosis, caregiving beliefs, family and cultural values, personality traits, pragmatic challenges and access to resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Globally, SOPEP and families may benefit from their involvement in family interventions and individual support that facilitates caregiving and acknowledges their responsibilities, resources, psychosocial needs and emotional experiences.

The impact of childhood acquired brain injury on siblings: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

(a) To analyze the extent and nature of research on the impact of childhood acquired brain injury (ABI) on siblings, (b) to synthetize in a descriptive way the results of these studies and propose perspectives of care/support.

METHOD

A literature search of 3 databases was performed up to August 2022. Studies addressing issues around siblings of children with ABI were included in the scoping review.

RESULTS

25 articles were identified and analyzed. Results indicate that there is a paucity of research on this issue. However, interest in the subject has increased over past decades. Despite variable results, the current literature highlights the negative impact of ABI on family functioning and relationships. The trajectory and quality of life of siblings of children with ABI are modified. ABI causes intense and mixed emotions, psychological distress, behavioral difficulties and social stigma. Siblings have varied ways of coping with ABI and express particular needs that must be addressed.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant impact of childhood ABI on siblings' subsequent life. Existing studies on this subject are few, heterogeneous, and sometimes contradictory. Further studies on this theme therefore appear necessary in order to propose appropriate support for patients' siblings according to their age and situation.