The close relatives of people who have had a traumatic brain injury and their special needs

Abstract

Primary objective: This study aims to paint a picture of the needs of people close to individuals with a TBI and the services offered to answer these needs, from the point of view of the individuals with a TBI and health professionals.

Research design: This study has a qualitative design and a reflexive group was used to collect data. The démarche réflexive d’analyse en partenariat, DRAP (developing reflexive analysis for partnership) was used as a data collection method. The sample comprised Montreal family members (n = 4), Outaouais family members (n = 8), Abitibi family members (n = 7); Montreal care providers (n = 9), Outaouais care providers (n = 11) and Abitibi care providers (n = 9).

Main outcomes and results: The results show that people close to individuals with a TBI need information on the health problem, specifically with regard to the diagnostic, the prognostic, and the factors that influence it, as well as the steps towards rehabilitation, and care and services. The results show that close ones need specific, quality services and continuity of services.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the pertinence of this study lies in the desire of close ones and health professionals to ease the adaptation process imposed by a TBI, and to promote the well-being of informal caregivers.

• Caregivers needs
• services
• continuum of care
• brain injury
• developing reflexive analysis for partnership
• qualitative research

Notes

Notes

1. Unless the context indicates otherwise, ‘he’ and ‘his’ should be understood to refer to both men and women.

2. In Quebec, the Régime public d’assurance automobile (public auto insurance system) compensates (income and rehabilitation) traffic accident victims (regardless of whether or not they were responsible for the accident). It is financed by the fees for vehicle registration and driver's licences.

3. This and all subsequent statements by focus-group participants are translated from French.