Brain injury rehabilitation: The lived experience of inpatients and their family caregivers

"Somewhere along the line, your mask isn't going to be fitting right": institutional racism in Black narratives of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation across the practice continuum

BACKGROUND

Over two decades of research about traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation emphasized the persistence of racial health disparities in functional outcomes that disproportionately impact Black populations without naming or addressing racism as the root problem. Further, the experiences of Black people with TBI have yet to be documented and accounted for in scientific scholarship from the perspectives of Black persons in Canada.

PURPOSE

This study intended to examine the rehabilitation narratives of Black TBI survivors, family caregivers, and rehabilitation providers and use critical race theory as a conceptual framework to understand how anti-Black racism manifests in those experiences.

METHODS

Through critical narrative inquiry informed by a critical constructivist paradigm and a critical race theory lens, in-depth narrative interviewing were conducted with seven survivors, three family caregivers, and four rehabilitation providers. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis within and across groups of participants to conceptualize themes and sub-themes.

FINDINGS

Themes captured how racism becomes institutionalized in TBI rehabilitation: (1) the institutional construction of deficient Black bodies, (2) the institutional construction of rehabilitation access, (3) the institutional investment in resisting and approximating whiteness in rehabilitation practice, and (4) the institutional construction of deficient Black futures.

CONCLUSION

Study findings point to the dire need to ensure rehabilitation programs, services, and the delivery of care are not determined based on inequitable practices, racial biases and assumptions about Black people, which determine who deserves to get into rehabilitation and have opportunities to be supported in working towards living a full and meaningful life.

Family experiences of supporting a relative with agitation during early recovery after traumatic brain injury

During the early recovery period after traumatic brain injury (TBI), referred to as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), approximately 44% of individuals may exhibit agitated behaviours. Agitation can impede recovery and poses a significant management challenge for healthcare services. As families provide significant support for their injured relatives during this time, this study aimed to explore the family's experience during PTA to better understand their role in agitation management. There were 20 qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with 24 family members of patients exhibiting agitation during early TBI recovery (75% female, aged 30-71 years), predominantly parents (n = 12), spouses (n = 7) and children (n = 3). The interviews explored the family's experience of supporting their relative exhibiting agitation during PTA. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, which revealed three key themes: family contributions to patient care, expectations of the health care service and supporting families to support patients. This study emphasized the significant role of families in managing agitation during early TBI recovery and highlighted that families who are well-informed and well-supported have the potential to minimize their relative's agitation during PTA, which may reduce the burden on healthcare staff and promote patient recovery.

Patient-report and caregiver-report measures of rehabilitation service use following acquired brain injury: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review patient-report/caregiver-report measures of rehabilitation service use following acquired brain injury (ABI).

DATA SOURCES

Medline, APA PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched on November 2021 and November 2022. Authors were contacted if measures were not included in manuscripts/appendices.

STUDY SELECTION

Included articles were empirical research or a research protocol, available in English and described measures of patient report/caregiver report of rehabilitation service use post-ABI via quantitative or qualitative methods. Two reviewers independently screened 5290 records using DistillerSR. Discrepancies were resolved by team adjudication.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction was piloted with high levels of agreement (k=.94). Data were extracted by a single member with team meetings to seek guidance as needed. Data included administration characteristics (reporter, mode of administration, recall period), psychometric evidence and dimensions assessed (types of services, setting, frequency, duration, intensity, qualitative aspects).

DATA SYNTHESIS

One hundred and fifty-two measures were identified from 85 quantitative, 56 qualitative and 3 psychometric studies. Psychometric properties were reported for four measures, all of which focused on satisfaction. Most measures inquired about the type of rehabilitation services used, with more than half assessing functional (eg, physical therapy) and behavioural health rehabilitation services, but fewer than half assessing community and academic reintegration (eg, special education, vocational rehabilitation) or cognitive (eg, neuropsychology) services. Fewer than half assessed qualitative aspects (eg, satisfaction). Recall periods ranged from 1 month to 'since the ABI event' or focused on current use. Of measures that could be accessed (n=71), many included a limited checklist of types of services used. Very few measures assessed setting, frequency, intensity or duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite widespread interest, the vast majority of measures have not been validated and are limited in scope. Use of gold-standard psychometric methods to develop and validate a comprehensive patient-report/caregiver-report measure of rehabilitation service use would have wide-ranging implications for improving rehabilitation research in ABI.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors' experience of occupation and activity during their inpatient stay: a scoping review

PURPOSE

This review aimed to characterise and map: (1) what type of evidence and what dominant study characteristics are available regarding acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors' experience of occupation and activity in hospital? (2) How are occupation and activity conceptualised in the literature? (3) How are ABI survivors experiencing occupation and activity while in hospital? (4) What factors create barriers or opportunities for engagement in occupations or activity in hospital? (5) Are there any knowledge gaps identified?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A scoping review was conducted examining literature published between 2017 and 2022. Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from electronic databases.

RESULTS

Thirty-four publications were included. There were more quantitative studies (n = 18). Much of the research has been conducted outside of the UK. The populations studied were principally stroke (n = 22). The concept of activity rather than occupation predominates. Patients spend their time alone and inactive. Structural and contextual barriers for engaging in activity are identified. Qualitative study designs exclude ABI survivors with communication or cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of research with ABI survivors in hospitals in the UK. Alternative methodological approaches such as ethnography would ensure those with communication or cognitive impairment are not excluded from research. Implications for rehabilitationRehabilitation professionals, especially occupational therapists, need to lead acquired brain injury (ABI) research in acute hospital settings in the UK.Conceptualisation of meaningful activity and occupation needs a clearer focus in ABI research.Qualitative studies frequently exclude participants with cognitive or communication impairments so methodologies that are more inclusive and representative of brain injury survivors are needed.

Family experiences of the management of challenging behaviours after traumatic brain injury in the acute hospital setting

PURPOSE

This study explored experiences of the management of challenging behaviours after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the acute hospital setting from the perspectives of family members.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A qualitative, interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with 10 family members. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, with Ecological Systems Theory applied as a guiding framework to discuss findings and implications for practice.

RESULTS

Four primary themes were identified: 1) The hospital environment; 2) Hospital staffing; 3) Identifying and preventing triggers, and 4) Family support and information.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study highlights the need for further information, education, and support to families of patients with TBI in the acute setting. Further research investigating the implementation of best practice approaches for managing challenging behaviours practice in acute settings is needed to overcome the barriers of the hospital environment, inexperienced and inconsistent staffing, and difficulties identifying triggers within the acute hospital setting, experienced by families. Approaches for family involvement in behaviour management strategies, and facilitation of communication for people with TBI in the acute setting requires exploration.

"Your brain can't wait": perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury and their parents on physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase

PURPOSE

Physical interventions during subacute rehabilitation have potential to improve functional recovery. This study explored the perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their parents with respect to physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase.

METHODS

Thirteen children and adolescents with ABI and their parents were included and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: 1) beliefs of physical rehabilitation, 2) content of physical rehabilitation, 3) tailored care, 4) impact of context, 5) communication and 6) transition. The importance of intensive physical practice was widely supported. The positive can-do mentality was emphasised to create an atmosphere of hope, meaning that every effort would be made to achieve maximum recovery. Intensive involvement of parents is considered essential during subacute rehabilitation including an open and mutual dialogue about the focus of rehabilitation, therapy goals and future participation in their own environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the need for an intensive rehabilitation approach, tailored to the individual's needs. The perspectives of children and adolescents and their parents in our study contribute to a better understanding of factors that are important for optimal recovery through physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase.

"It gave her that soft landing": Consumer perspectives on a transitional rehabilitation service for adults with acquired brain injury

Transitional rehabilitation service models for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) may address sub-optimal support for individuals returning home after hospitalization for ABI. This study investigated perspectives of people with ABI and close others who received transitional rehabilitation. A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals with ABI and 12 associated close others was conducted as part of a mixed-method evaluation of an Australian transitional rehabilitation service (TRS) pilot project. Thematic analysis based on the Framework method was conducted independently by two researchers. Three broad themes illustrated participants' experience of the TRS: (1) structure after hospital discharge; (2) a "soft landing"; and (3) equipped for community living. Findings suggest that home-based, interdisciplinary transitional rehabilitation after hospital discharge was perceived as an important stage of rehabilitation by participants. Valued features relate to post-hospital rehabilitation structure: a single point of contact to facilitate organization and information exchange, a known discharge destination, and consistent communication; support and therapy within a familiar home environment; and being equipped with relevant knowledge and strategies to manage ongoing challenges. Further research exploring the experiences of individuals with ABI without close family or social support, and research capturing longitudinal outcomes from transitional rehabilitation is recommended.

Mixed methods study to understand the experiences of adults with acquired brain injury and their family members who receive specialised rehabilitation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Rehabilitation therapy is a key part of the recovery pathway for people with severe acquired brain injury (ABI). The aim of this study was to explore inpatients' and their family members' experiences of a specialist ABI rehabilitation service.

METHODS

A cross sectional, prospective mixed method study was undertaken at a metropolitan specialist ABI rehabilitation unit in Victoria, Australia. All inpatients and their family members of the service were invited to complete a satisfaction survey. Employing purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with inpatients and/or their family members.

RESULTS

In total, 111 people completed the satisfaction survey and 13 were interviewed. High levels of satisfaction with the specialist service were reported; the majority of inpatients (74%) and family members (81%) rated the overall quality of care received in the service as 'high' or 'very high'. Interviews revealed four main themes: (i) satisfaction with rehabilitation services, (ii) inconsistent communication, (iii) variable nursing care, and (iv) strengths and weakness of the rehabilitation environment. Overall, important components of a positive experience were being involved in decision making and discharge planning, effective communication and information processes, and being able to form therapeutic relationships with staff. Key sources of dissatisfaction for inpatients and family members related to inconsistency in care, accessing information about treatments in a format easily understood, and communication.

CONCLUSION

Specialised rehabilitation is valued by inpatients and their family members alike. The findings highlight the importance of exploring inpatient experiences to optimise service delivery in a tailored, specialised rehabilitation programme.

A 'Network of Understanding and Compassion': A Qualitative Study of Survivor Perspectives on Unmet Needs After Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Regional Communities

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study aimed to identify the service and support needs of people with a recent history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) living in the community.

METHODS

A postal survey was sent to 662 people 6-18 months after hospital admission for a mild-to-severe TBI. The survey included an open-ended item ('wish-basket') for collecting ideas about important unmet needs.

RESULTS

Responses from 53 individuals were coded and processed using thematic analysis. Five themes (n = 39) were identified, three of which were related to personal needs. These personal wishes were about being symptom-free, independent and emotionally supported by, and connected to, loved ones. The remaining themes were about the wished-for changes to the health system and society, such as wishing for health care continuity (as opposed to being abandoned), and for greater understanding and support by society.

CONCLUSIONS

There is scope to improve the services and support for people living with TBI in the community. This includes reconsidering the way that discharge occurs, addressing the personal needs that remain when living in the community and promoting greater social awareness of TBI to counteract disadvantage.

Wants and needs for involvement experienced by relatives of patients with an acquired brain injury: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review identifies and maps the breadth of available evidence on relatives' wants and needs for involvement in the care of patients with an acquired brain injury.

INTRODUCTION

Acquired brain injuries often occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Suffering from an acquired brain injury has major consequences, not only for the patients, due to the devastating impact on their physical, cognitive, social, and psychological well-being, but also for the relatives who may need to take on a lifelong role as carers. Research has cited some benefits of involving relatives in the care of patients, including positive effects on the patients' health outcomes; however, there are few studies showing how relatives can be involved.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies that defined or assessed relatives' wants and needs for involvement with the care of patients with an acquired brain injury in all settings were included. Studies were included if they described any kind of wants and needs for involvement experienced from the perspective of relatives. The review considered all study designs, except for literature reviews.

METHODS

The JBI methodology for conducting a scoping review was employed in accordance with an a priori published protocol. An extensive search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Embase (Ovid). Gray literature was searched using Grey Matters and BASE. The initial search was conducted in February 2020 and updated in September 2021. This review was limited to studies published in English, German, or Scandinavian languages since January 2010. The data were extracted using a data extraction tool (authors, year of publication, country of origin, setting, study methods, and findings related to wants and needs for involvement) created by the authors. The review findings are reported as a descriptive summary, with tables and figures supporting the data.

RESULTS

The search identified 3854 studies, 31 of which were included. The studies were published between 2010 and 2021 and were conducted across 9 countries. In total, 16 studies applied a qualitative study design, 4 studies used a descriptive approach, 4 studies used a quantitative research design, 4 studies reported using a mixed methods design, and 3 studies employed a multi-methods design. The studies were conducted across a variety of settings, ranging from acute care to home. The international literature on the involvement of relatives with patients with acquired brain injuries comprises multiple published studies on different aspects of the topic and within various care contexts. The findings identified few studies describing wants and needs experienced by relatives in relation to involvement in the patient's disease trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show that relatives' wants and needs are primarily related to information and communication, but are also related to collaboration with health care professionals. The findings illustrate that the complexity of involvement is comprehensive, with multiple aspects to consider.

Team-based rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: a qualitative synthesis of evidence of experiences of the rehabilitation process

Objective

To synthesize and explore experiences of the rehabilitation process for adults with traumatic brain injury receiving team-based rehabilitation.

Data sources

A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted according to the “Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research” (ENTREQ) Guidelines, of qualitative studies published in 5 databases in 2000–21.

Study selection and data extraction

Screening, selection of relevant studies, assessment of methodological limitations, systematic qualitative content analysis and assessment of confidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual) were carried out by independent researchers.

Data synthesis

The 10 included studies revealed how people with traumatic brain injury perceived that they struggled on their own for a long time to adapt their daily life. They experienced that access to team-based rehabilitation was scarce and that the interventions offered were neither individually tailored nor coordinated. A respectful attitude from professionals and individually adapted information facilitated their rehabilitation process.

Conclusion

This qualitative evidence synthesis indicates areas for improvement and a need to develop person-centred team-based rehabilitation for adults with traumatic brain injury, in terms of accessibility, coordination, continuity, content and participation. Given the limited opportunities for team-based rehabilitation after hospital discharge, further research is needed to understand how rehabilitation can support the adaptation of everyday life.

The psychological adjustment needs of individuals following an acquired brain injury: A systematic review

This systematic review explored the psychological adjustment needs of individuals following an acquired brain injury (ABI). Whilst the landscape of rehabilitation in ABI has changed rapidly over the last decade, there is still a lack of emphasis on psychological processes in this area. An electronic search of PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PubMed, JSTOR, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for records between January 2009 and December 2019 detailing the psychological adjustment needs of individuals in a general ABI population. A total of 17 studies with varying methodologies were initially extracted. Methodological quality was then independently assessed by the three authors, with 14 articles meeting the quality threshold. Across methodologies, key themes emerged in relation to: difficulties adjusting to a new sense of self, the critical nature of social support, and the multifaceted nature of the adjustment process which incorporates many internal and external factors. These results illustrate the importance of psychological factors in ABI rehabilitation and as such highlight that the emphasis on functional outcomes in ABI may be an obstacle to the facilitation of the process of psychological adjustment. This provides justification for a more psychologically informed, holistic approach and inspires further debate as to the fundamental importance of psychological adjustment for individual's post-ABI.

Experiences of inpatient rehabilitation from the perspective of persons with acquired brain injury

BACKGROUND

Perspectives of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) regarding inpatient rehabilitation experiences can inform patient-centered care; however, these voices are under-represented in the literature.

PURPOSE

To explore the experiences, needs, and preferences of patients from an ABI inpatient rehabilitation program in Ontario.

METHODS

Using an interpretive description approach, we interviewed 12 participants and analyzed the transcripts inductively to generate themes.

FINDINGS

We identified three major themes: (1) Life Rerouted - participants felt their lives diverted due to ABI, with rehabilitation seen as a way to return to pre-injury life, (2) Autonomy within Rehab highlighted the perceived importance of personal autonomy in decision-making within rehabilitation, and (3) Life (and Recovery) Go On reflected an ongoing recovery process after discharge - leading to mixed emotions. An overall message, "re-establishing personal identity is important to the recovery process," reflected theories of biographical disruption and relational autonomy.

IMPLICATIONS

Our findings provide a patient perspective for clinicians and administrators to consider. We found that ABI was significantly disruptive to personal identity - resulting in tensions in autonomy while attempting to reclaim a sense of identity. We suggest counseling services and strategies supporting post-injury adjustment, along with ways for rehabilitation professionals to enhance patient autonomy where possible.Implications for rehabilitationSustaining an ABI can significantly disrupt personal identity and sense of autonomy - especially as persons occupy the role of "patient" while in inpatient rehabilitation.Psychological support is recommended to address the impacts of ABI on patients' sense of identity, as well as on family members.Strategies of support might include, providing formal psychotherapy, as well as creating opportunities for patients and family members to discuss the changes they are experiencing, and to establish their personal narratives (e.g., through writing or art) or peer mentorship programs between discharged and current patients.Clinicians can enhance patient autonomy by increasing opportunities for communication with patients about choice; educating patients and family members on the rehabilitation team's decision-making process, and other methods that increase communication and provide consistent up-to-date information to patients and their family members.

"Just tell me in a simple way": A qualitative study on opportunities to improve the transition from acute hospital care to home from the perspectives of patients with traumatic brain injury, families, and providers

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify areas to improve the transition from acute hospital care to home for patients with traumatic brain injury and their families.

DESIGN

Qualitative, descriptive.

SETTING

Level I trauma centered located in the Southeastern United States.

SUBJECTS

A total of 36 participants (12 patients with traumatic brain injury, 8 family caregivers, 16 providers).

MAIN MEASURES

We conducted 55 semi-structured interviews with participants and used conventional content analysis to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Findings showed patients, families, and providers recommend three areas for improvement in the transition home from acute hospital care, described in three themes. Theme 1 was "improving patient and family education," with the following sub-themes: (a) TBI-related information and (b) discharge preparation. Theme 2 was "additional provider guidance," with the following sub-themes: (a) communication about patient's recovery timeline and (b) recovery roadmap development. Theme 3 was "increasing systems-level support," with the following sub-themes: (a) scheduling follow-up appointments, (b) using a patient navigator, (c) creating a provider follow-up structure, (d) linking pre-discharge care with post-discharge resources, and (e) addressing social issues.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings delineate multiple areas where patients and families need additional support and education during the transition from acute hospital care to home in ways that are currently not being addressed. Findings may be used to improve education and support from providers and health systems given to patients with traumatic brain injury and families and to inform development and testing of transitional care interventions from acute hospital care to home.

Evaluating client experience of rehabilitation following acquired brain injury: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To implement a service-wide approach in the collection of data to evaluate client experience of brain injury rehabilitation.Methods: Mixed methods study. Clients with brain injury and family members of the Liverpool Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit completed a purpose-designed Patient Experiences Survey for Brain Injury Rehabilitation (PES-BIR) which included closed and free-text responses, as well as the Client Services Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). The survey was completed by clients across the inpatient, community rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and community-based residential services.Results: 118 questionnaires were completed in relation to 102 clients. The majority of respondents were clients (n = 79, 66.9%) with a small proportion of family members represented (n = 39, 33.1%). High levels of satisfaction were reported (CSQ-8 28.4 ± 3.8) and positive patient experience (PES-BIR total, 37.2 ± 5.5) across all services. Themes identified from the free-text responses suggested that client experience was influenced by communication with the client about their progress and within the team, tailoring of rehabilitation, access to specialist services, integration of care across the rehabilitation continuum and the rehabilitation environment.Implications for practice: Routine collection and evaluation of client experience data in brain injury rehabilitation can be used to evaluate service delivery quality and guide further service improvements.

Families' Experiences Living with Acquired Brain Injury: "Thinking Family"-A Nursing Pathway for Family-Centered Care

The objective of this study was to examine families' experiences living with acquired brain injury (ABI) using a research approach that included both the affected individual family member and the family together as a family group. A narrative inquiry study, informed by the life-stage approach of Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach, and Zilber, was used to obtain family stories. Families experiencing an ABI event were purposefully selected from different regions in a western Canadian province. Centered on the life stages of before the ABI event, now living with the ABI, and the future, thematic findings included: Families, a grounding force; Losses, individual and family; Family adaptive capacities; Experiences with the healthcare system-hospital to home; and A patchwork future-entering the unknown. Themes affirmed the significant impacts of ABI on individual and family members and acknowledged ABI as an ambiguous loss event. The findings also illuminated families' strengths and resiliencies in coping with living with ABI. The study results suggest by “thinking family” nurses can contribute towards a healthcare model that focuses on “family” as the central unit of care.

Brain injury, behaviour support, and family involvement: putting the pieces together and looking forward

Purpose: (1) to provide insight into the family's experience and support needs following acquired brain injury (ABI) specific to behavioural changes; (2) to provide an overview of empirically-based behaviour support approaches for individuals with ABI; and (3), to examine family involvement in implementing behavioural interventions.Methods: Review of the literature.Results: Family members experience significant distress resulting from neurobehavioural changes in relatives with ABI, and report unmet informational and practical support needs regarding this issue. The importance of utilising family expertise within the rehabilitation process is widely acknowledged, with the increasing involvement of family members being promoted. There is growing evidence supporting the use of positive behaviour support approaches for individuals with ABI in community settings, and evidence supporting the involvement of family within behavioural interventions.Conclusions: This review suggests the need to develop alternative support models that shift the focus towards building competence in everyday support people rather than dependency on the service system. A bottom-up approach is recommended, with the aim of addressing unmet support needs and increasing the competence of family members in supporting behaviour change in individuals with ABI. Recommendations are provided in informing an optimal community-based neurobehavioural support model. Implications for RehabilitationPositive behaviour support is recommended in supporting behavioural changes following brain injury, with family expertise utilised in this process.Evidence suggests that family members can be effectively trained in developing and implementing behaviour support strategies.Family involvement in behavioural interventions may address unmet support needs and increasing the competence of family members in supporting behavioural changes following brain injury.

Experiences of giving and receiving care in traumatic brain injury: An integrative review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To synthesise the literature on the experiences of giving or receiving care for traumatic brain injury for people with traumatic brain injury, their family members and nurses in hospital and rehabilitation settings.

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury represents a major source of physical, social and economic burden. In the hospital setting, people with traumatic brain injury feel excluded from decision-making processes and perceive impatient care. Families describe inadequate information and support for psychological distress. Nurses find the care of people with traumatic brain injury challenging particularly when experiencing heavy workloads. To date, a contemporary synthesis of the literature on people with traumatic brain injury, family and nurse experiences of traumatic brain injury care has not been conducted.

DESIGN

Integrative literature review.

METHODS

A systematic search strategy guided by the PRISMA statement was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Proquest, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Whittemore and Knafl's (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 2005, 546) integrative review framework guided data reduction, data display, data comparison and conclusion verification.

RESULTS

Across the three participant categories (people with traumatic brain injury/family members/nurses) and sixteen subcategories, six cross-cutting themes emerged: seeking personhood, navigating challenging behaviour, valuing skills and competence, struggling with changed family responsibilities, maintaining productive partnerships and reflecting on workplace culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic brain injury creates changes in physical, cognitive and emotional function that challenge known ways of being in the world for people. This alters relationship dynamics within families and requires a specific skill set among nurses.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Recommendations include the following: (i) formal inclusion of people with traumatic brain injury and families in care planning, (ii) routine risk screening for falls and challenging behaviour to ensure that controls are based on accurate assessment, (iii) formal orientation and training for novice nurses in the management of challenging behaviour, (iv) professional case management to guide access to services and funding and (v) personal skill development to optimise family functioning.

Understanding the psychiatric effects of concussion on constructed identity in hockey players: Implications for health professionals

OBJECTIVE

The following study was undertaken to investigate the effect of concussion and psychiatric illness on athletes and their caregivers.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 20 ice hockey stakeholders (17 men and 3 women) including minor and professional players, coaches, parents, and physicians were conducted over two years (2012-2014). These interviews were analyzed using grounded theory.

RESULTS

From this analysis, a common biographical theme emerged whereby the subject's identity as a hockey player, constructed early in life over many years, was disrupted by concussion. Furthermore, some players underwent a biographical deconstruction when they experienced post-concussive mental illness, which was amplified by isolation, stigma from peers, and lack of a clear life trajectory. Many players obtained support from family and peers and were able to recover, as evidenced by the biographical reconstruction of their identity post-hockey concussion.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Understanding the process of biographical deconstruction and reconstruction has significant psychosocial treatment implications for both healthcare professionals and caregivers of this population. Specifically, the authors suggest that interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) that focuses on role transitions may create opportunities to facilitate the process of biographical reconstruction and life transition.

Identifying Current Practices and Supports in Behaviour Management Following ABI in South Australian Community Settings: A Delphi Study

Objectives: To consider the strategies currently used by family care givers to manage challenging behaviour in the community following ABI, and to identify what supports are available that support family care givers in addressing this issue.

Research design: Delphi study.

Methods: Service providers (n = 8) and family care givers (n = 3) completed a three-round Delphi process with the aim of reaching consensus (75% agreement) regarding research objectives. Round 1 consisted of an open-ended questionnaire in which items were identified; these items were then rated in Round 2 and 3 using a Likert scale. Statistical aggregation then allowed for quantitative analysis.

Results: The findings suggest a number of behaviour management approaches are being used by family care givers, including basic antecedent strategies, agreeing with the person's demands, and medication. Consensus was reached that only two services in SA provide specific support to family care givers regarding behaviour management in the community: Families4Families Inc. (a peer support network) and Private Specialists (e.g., [neuro]psychologists and [neuro]psychiatrists).

Conclusions: Findings emphasise the need for more specialised services specific to educating and supporting family care givers in the management of challenging behaviours following ABI. These services should be accessible, centralised, and easy for family care givers to navigate.

The experience of patients with ABI and their families during the hospital stay: A systematic review of qualitative literature

BACKGROUND

Patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families have unique experiences and needs during the hospital stay; yet, limited literature exists on this topic. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile and synthesize literature on the experience of patients with ABI and their families during the hospital stay.

METHODS

A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted by searching for studies from seven databases. Content analysis was used to analyse and synthesize studies' findings separately for the patient and family experience.

RESULTS

The initial search provided 2871 records. Ultimately, 11 studies relevant to the research question were included in this review. No studies were excluded based on critical quality appraisal. Findings on the patient experience showed patients had negative perceptions of the rehabilitation environment and a perceived need for information. Findings on the family experience included difficulty adjusting after the patient's injury, a desire to be involved in the patient's care, mixed feelings about staff support and a high perceived need for information.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide awareness for healthcare providers on the multifaceted experiences of patients with ABI and their families during the hospital stay, strategies to make care more patient- and family-centred and directions for future research.

Loss of Financial Management Independence After Brain Injury: Survivors’ Experiences

OBJECTIVE. This pilot study explored the experiences of brain injury survivors after a change in financial management (FM) independence.

METHOD. Using a qualitative descriptive design, 6 participants with acquired brain injury were recruited from a community brain injury organization and participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) trajectory of FM change, involving family members as key change agents; (2) current FM situation, involving FM strategies such as automatic deposits and restricted budgets; and (3) the struggle for control, in which survivors desired control while also accepting supports for FM.

CONCLUSION. This study identifies some of the challenges brain injury survivors face in managing their finances and the adjustment associated with a loss of FM independence. Occupational therapists should be aware of clients’ experiences when supporting them through a change in independence.

Feasibility of gaming console exercise and its effect on endurance, gait and balance in people with an acquired brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To determine feasibility of gaming console exercise and its effect on endurance, gait and balance in people following acquired brain injury (ABI).

METHOD

Twenty-one people following ABI were recruited to an 8-week randomized cross-over trial where 4 weeks of gaming console exercise in addition to usual therapy and 4 weeks of usual therapy alone were received. Feasibility measures included compliance, session duration and adverse events. Measures included endurance measured using a 6-minute walk test, spatiotemporal gait parameters (GAITRite) and balance using Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation (BOOMER). Motivation was measured using the Change Assessment Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Compliance with gaming console exercise was high (99%), the majority of sessions reached duration target (82%) and there were no adverse events. There were small, though non-significant increases in 6-minute walk distance (18 metres, 95% CI = -33 to 69), gait speed (0.11 m s(-1), 95% CI = -0.18 to 0.29) and balance compared to after usual therapy after gaming console exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Gaming console exercise appears feasible in people with ABI. Four weeks of gaming console exercise in addition to usual therapy appears to result in similar improvements in endurance, gait and balance compared to usual therapy alone and may enhance active engagement in therapy.