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A Mixed Methods Study of the Experience of Transition to the Community of Working-Aged People with Non-Traumatic Brain Injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 June 2012

Alexandra Hall ,
Brooke Grohn ,
Emily Nalder ,
Linda Worrall  and
Jennifer Fleming
Alexandra Hall
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, Australia
Brooke Grohn
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, Australia
Emily Nalder
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, Australia
Linda Worrall*
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, Australia
Jennifer Fleming
Affiliation:
The University of Queensland, Australia Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia. Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health Services District, Queensland, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Professor Linda Worrall, Director, NHMRC CCRE in Aphasia Rehabilitation, Co-director, Communication Disability Centre, Postgraduate Coordinator, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background and aims: The ‘transition’ phase from hospital to home following brain injury is well established as a critical period of adjustment for individuals and their families. There is, however, a lack of knowledge about the experience of transition following nontraumatic brain injury (e.g., stroke, aneurysm) for individuals of working age. The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experiences of individuals with nontraumatic brain injury using mixed methods approach.

Methods: Six individuals with nontraumatic brain injury were recruited from a larger study using maximum variation sampling criteria. Individuals participated in semistructured interviews at 6-months postdischarge and completed quantitative measures of psychosocial outcomes predischarge and at 6-months postdischarge. Results: Qualitative content analysis of interviews identified three themes: (1) changes in role performance, (2) support and services and (3) coping with life after brain injury. The transition experience was characterised by loss of valued roles including driving and work, identified as major barriers to regaining independence postdischarge. Informal support provided by family and friends were relied on, while formal supports were accessed infrequently. Life post-injury presented a number of challenges including adjusting to changes in physical and cognitive abilities and a fear of reinjury. Qualitative data were supported by an overall trend of improved functioning on the quantitative measures over the 6 months.

Conclusions: Key life circumstances of working age adults with nontraumatic brain injury influence the transition experience. Clinically, the findings support the need for individualised, structured transition services pre- and postdischarge for this group.

Keywords

Aneurysmstrokepsychosocial integrationqualitative
Type
Articles
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 13 , Issue 1: Transition to Community Living after Acquired Brain Injury , July 2012 , pp. 85 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

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