“I hope it’ll get better… in the end, it didn’t really get better”: a qualitative study of access to specialized rehabilitation services as experienced by adults with persistent MTBI symptoms

Abstract

Purpose

Persistent symptoms experienced by adults following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can significantly impact their daily activities. It is often difficult for them to access specialized rehabilitation services. The aim of this study is to explore this population’s experience surrounding access to specialized rehabilitation services, including waiting time.

Materials and methods

This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach and was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Twelve adults with mTBI who had received specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation services were recruited. The interviews focused on participants’ recollection of their patient journey after injury, their perception of waiting, barriers and facilitators to access, and the impacts of these experiences on their condition.

Results

Participants reported experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, worry, sadness, and discouragement before accessing specialized services. They all agreed that they did not receive clear information about their recovery process or the health services available to them, which exacerbated their mental health symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings show that participants experienced uncertainty because they lacked information regarding recovery and access to health services after their injury. Education about symptoms and recovery, as well as emotional support for people with mTBI should be made available during the waiting period.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Adults with persistent post-mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) symptoms experienced many challenges in accessing health services such as long wait times, which they perceived as impacting their recovery.

• According to those concerned, more support from qualified health professionals is needed in the first weeks or months following the injury.

• Participants unanimously support free and timely access to specialized mTBI rehabilitation services.

Keywords:

• Rehabilitation
• concussion
• health services
• perspective
• health consequences
• access

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Aroa El Horani for correcting our manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, MEL, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a doctoral grant from the Fonds de recherche du Québec Santé.