title: Brain injury: quality of life's greatest challenge.
abstract: The objectives of this investigation were to (1) identify elements that comprise an acceptable quality of life (Q-L) post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) from the perspectives of patients and families, and (2) explore patient and family satisfaction with treatment decisions relevant to QoL. The authors created, tested, and administered two forms (patient; family) of a 35-question interview to 33 participants in a longitudinal TBI study (14 women, 19 men) and 33 associated family members. Men associated ratings of QoL with numerous variables, while women's responses revealed no significant relationships shared by QoL and other variables. Women reported a poorer QoL than did men. Older patients reported a better QoL than did younger patients. Families emphasized the family relationship, emotional control, and ability to concentrate when considering overall QoL. Patients did not. The majority of patients and families expressed satisfaction with decisions made about acute treatment. QoL research is essential to illuminate best practice models.
authors.affiliation: Idaho Neurological Institute at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho 83706, USA. pseiber@boisestate.edu
authors.forename: Pennie S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Seibert
authors.forename: D Peter
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Reedy
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hash
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Pernilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stridh-Igo
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Basom
authors.forename: Christian G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003625:Data Collection; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors