Original Research
Initial experiences of family caregivers of survivors of a traumatic brain injury
Submitted: 21 October 2014 | Published: 11 August 2015
About the author(s)
Mandi Broodryk, Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South AfricaChrisma Pretorius, Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Objective: To explore the challenges that family caregivers face during the initial stages of recovery of a relative who has sustained a TBI.
Methods: Thematic analysis was used to explore the findings from semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 12 female family caregivers of relatives who had sustained a TBI.
Results: Family caregivers recalled their initial experiences of the shock at hearing the news about their relative’s TBI, negative experiences in hospital and frustrating interactions with healthcare professionals as particularly challenging. Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasise caregivers’ need for support, information and psycho-education, especially from healthcare professionals, from the very beginning stages of recovery from a TBI. Practical and physical needs with regard to admission to and care in the hospital were also highlighted. This research will hopefully contribute to creating awareness amongst healthcare professionals on how they can contribute to improvement of the services provided by the healthcare system based on the experiences of the caregivers who participated in this study.
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Crossref Citations
1. The needs of families caring for patients with traumatic brain injury: a scoping review
Joshua K. Muliira, Eilean R. Lazarus, Devakirubai Jacob, Hema Roslin
Disability and Rehabilitation vol: 46 issue: 20 first page: 4586 year: 2024
doi: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2278178