Reflections on life: Experiences of individuals with brain injury during the transition from hospital to home
Author(s)
Nalder, Emily
Fleming, Jennifer
Cornwell, Petrea
Shields, Cassandra
Foster, Michele
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2013
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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 ...
View more >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.
View less >
View more >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.
View less >
Journal Title
Brain Injury
Volume
27
Issue
11
Subject
Biomedical and clinical sciences
Psychology