title: The needs experienced by individuals and their loved ones following a traumatic brain injury.
abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important public health concern that presents real challenges for health care systems throughout the world. Through an international partnership between Canadian and French researchers, a vast qualitative study aimed to explore the needs of individuals with TBIs and their loved ones throughout the continuum of care and services. The study was first conducted in 3 regions of Quebec (Canada) and subsequently replicated in 3 regions of France. Overall, the data were collected from focus groups with 150 participants: individuals with TBIs, their loved ones, and health care professionals. Despite regional differences, the results demonstrate participants' very similar perceptions regarding the needs such as information, support, and a collaborative relationship with health care professionals experienced by individuals with TBIs and their loved ones. These needs change throughout the stages of care. The fulfillment of these needs play a determining role throughout the adaptation process of individuals with TBIs and their loved ones. Health care professionals must adopt a personalized approach to respond to needs related to the evolution of information, support, and relationships.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. helene.lefebvre@umontreal.ca
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
authors.forename: Marie Josée
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Levert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult