A qualitative study of the transition from hospital to home for individuals with acquired brain injury and their family caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the transition experiences from hospital to home of a purposive sample of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI).


METHODS
Phenomenological, qualitative design.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 individuals with ABI (mean time since discharge = 15.2 months) and 11 family caregivers. Each interview was recorded, transcribed verbatim and then inductively analyzed.


RESULTS
Through the inductive analysis process, a summary coding framework was developed that included that following eight main categories: the hospital experience; the transition process; the role of family caregivers; post-discharge services; friendship networks and community involvement; meaningful activities and time management; physical and psychological wellbeing; and barriers and facilitators.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of participants and provide evidence to support the existence of a distinct transition phase within the ABI rehabilitation continuum; additional to and closely associated with the acute, post-acute and community integration phases.
Turner
Benjamin
B
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. b.turner@shrs.uq.edu.au
Fleming
Jennifer
J
Cornwell
Petrea
P
Worrall
Linda
L
Ownsworth
Tamara
T
Haines
Terrence
T
Kendall
Melissa
M
Chenoweth
Lesley
L
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011793:Queensland; D012944:Social Support