The experiences of individuals with a traumatic brain injury, families, physicians and health professionals regarding care provided throughout the continuum.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the experiences of individuals who had sustained a traumatic brain injury, their families and the physicians and health professionals involved, from the critical care episodes and subsequent rehabilitation.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had sustained a TBI (n =8) and their families (n = 8) as well as with the health professionals (or service providers) (n = 22) and physicians (n = 9) who provided them care.


RESULTS
Results revealed the difficulties encountered by the different people involved, from the standpoint of the readjustment of the individual with the TBI and their family, the relationships among the various actors and the continuity of care.


CONCLUSIONS
This study brings to light the importance of including the family and the person with a TBI in the care process by calling for their participation and by setting up suitable structures that prioritize a meaningful partnership among the key individuals.
Lefebvre
H
H
ERIFAM, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. helene.lefebvre@umontreal.ca
Pelchat
D
D
Swaine
B
B
Gélinas
I
I
Levert
M J
MJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations