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Experiences of patients with traumatic brain injury and their carers during transition from in-patient rehabilitation to the community: a qualitative study

Abrahamson, V., Jensen, J., Springett, K., Sakel, M. (2016) Experiences of patients with traumatic brain injury and their carers during transition from in-patient rehabilitation to the community: a qualitative study. In: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Third Internal Conference. . (doi:10.1080/09638288.2016.1211755) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:55346)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1211755

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the experiences of individuals who have had a severe TBI and their carers in the first month post-discharge from in-patient rehabilitation into living in the community.

Method: Using a qualitative approach underpinned by critical realism we explored the narratives of ten patients and nine carers using semi-structured interviews approximately one month post-discharge. Thematic analysis was carried out independently by two researchers.

Results: Firstly, perceptions of support were mixed but many patients and carers felt unsupported in the inpatient phase, during transitions between units and when preparing for discharge. Secondly, they struggled to accept a new reality of changed abilities, loss of roles and loss of autonomy. Thirdly, early experiences post-discharge exacerbated fears for the future.

Conclusions: Most patients and carers struggled to identify a cohesive plan that supported their transition to living in the community. Access to services required much persistence on the part of carers and tended to be short-term and therefore did not meet their long term needs. We proposed the need for a case manager to be involved at an early stage of their rehabilitation and act as a key point for information and access to on-going rehabilitation and other support services.

Item Type: Conference or workshop item (Paper)
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1211755
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies
Depositing User: Vanessa Abrahamson
Date Deposited: 10 May 2016 10:17 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Mar 2023 11:34 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/55346 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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