Reflections on life: Experiences of individuals with brain injury during the transition from hospital to home

Abstract

Background: The transition from hospital to home has been described as a distinct rehabilitation phase for individuals with brain injury. As most research to date has quantitatively measured outcomes or used a sample with mixed brain injury diagnoses, less is known about the experience of transition following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Aims: This study aimed to examine the lived experiences of individuals with TBI during the first 6 months following discharge from hospital.

Design: A qualitative investigation was conducted with 16 individuals with TBI using semi-structured interviews.

Data analysis: Data were analysed thematically using a Framework approach.

Results: Transition experiences were characterized by a desire to return to normality and a changed perspective on life, by accepting change or altering priorities. The process of transition was dynamic as individuals experienced the dominant themes in cyclical patterns.

Conclusions: Research has highlighted the significant adjustment for individuals with TBI, particularly in relation to identity change, appraisal and coping. The themes of wanting normality and changing life perspective which were dominant in the current study highlight the significance of the transition phase in the process of adjustment and that transition is characterized by adapting to a new normality.

• Community integration
• life course
• lived experience

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Professor Linda Worrall, Dr Tamara Ownsworth, Dr Terry Haines and Dr Melissa Kendall for their input into the development of this project. We also wish to thank the participants for contributing their time and experiences of transition.