A qualitative study of the transition from hospital to home for individuals with acquired brain injury and their family caregivers

Abstract

Primary Objective: To explore the transition experiences from hospital to home of a purposive sample of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Research Design: Phenomenological, qualitative design.

Methods and Procedures: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 individuals with ABI (mean time since discharge = 15.2 months) and 11 family caregivers. Each interview was recorded, transcribed verbatim and then inductively analyzed.

Results: Through the inductive analysis process, a summary coding framework was developed that included that following eight main categories: the hospital experience; the transition process; the role of family caregivers; post-discharge services; friendship networks and community involvement; meaningful activities and time management; physical and psychological wellbeing; and barriers and facilitators.

Conclusions: The results of the study provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of participants and provide evidence to support the existence of a distinct transition phase within the ABI rehabilitation continuum; additional to and closely associated with the acute, post-acute and community integration phases.

• Acquired brain injury
• transition
• and phenomenology

Notes

Notes

1. C8 indicates who the statement was made by. ‘C’ indicates a statement made by a family caregiver. ‘P’ indicates a statement made by a participant with ABI. Numbers reflect the participant profiles/categories displayed in Table I. ‘I’ indicates a statement or question made by the interviewer.