title: The use of real life activities in rehabilitation: the experience of young men with traumatic brain injuries from regional, rural and remote areas in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to explore the experience of young men with traumatic brain injuries from regional, rural and remote areas in Australia who had participated in real life activity rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study. The primary data collection method was a semi-structured interview.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Townsville Hospital, Queensland, and private dwellings in rural and regional areas within North Queensland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight male participants aged between 18-28 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key qualitative themes identified via thematic analysis of the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This research identified 3 main themes regarding the patient's perspective of a real life activity intervention. These were: perceptions of the activities used in the intervention; insight into injury; and returning to previous activities of daily living. The findings of this study highlight incorporating real life activities assisted in engaging participants in rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS expressed a desire for vocational activities to be included within rehabilitation activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has clinical implications for real life activities to be incorporated as part of rehabilitation, and that this was preferred by young male traumatic brain injury patients. Therapists may consider using individualized real life activities with similar patient cohorts in the future.
authors.affiliation: , School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
authors.forename: Craig Thomas
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Marion A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Gary P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Dion J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Claire A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hession
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011793:Queensland; D012424:Rural Population; D055815:Young Adult