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Tsow R, Pollock C, Mehta S, Turcott A, Kang R, Schmidt J. A Look at Traumatic Brain Injury Community Programs in British Columbia: Barriers and facilitators of implementation. Brain Inj 2024; 38:539-549. [PMID: 38465902 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2327471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 1) Characterize the delivery of programs that support acceptance and resiliency for people with brain injury in the healthcare sector; 2) Understand the barriers and facilitators in implementation of programs to support self-acceptance and resiliency for people with brain injury. DESIGN Participatory focus groups were used to explore experiences of conducting brain injury programs and knowledge of the barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Focus group data were analyzed with manifest content analysis to minimally deviate from broad and structural information provided by participants. SETTING Four focus group sessions were conducted online through a video calling platform. PARTICIPANTS 22 individuals from community associations conducting programs for people with brain injury. Participants were recruited from a public brain injury organization database. RESULTS Systemic challenges such as access to and allocation of funding require navigation support. Resource consistency and availability, including stable program leaders and a welcoming atmosphere, are important for program implementation and sustainability. Shared experiences promote connection with the community and personal development. CONCLUSIONS This study informs individual- and community-level approaches to promote meaningful life after brain injury. Findings highlight existing resources and support future programming for people with brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tsow
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada a
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Courtney Pollock
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada a
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Swati Mehta
- Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alyssa Turcott
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada a
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ruthine Kang
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada a
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julia Schmidt
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada a
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Costello RS, Downing MG, Ponsford J. The experience of traumatic brain injury in a culturally and linguistically diverse sample in Australia. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:2069-2078. [PMID: 37237438 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2216473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds experience poorer outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI), including poorer quality of life. The reasons for these poorer outcomes are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to qualitatively investigate the experience of injury, rehabilitation, and recovery amongst individuals from a CALD background following TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, and qualitatively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS It was demonstrated that: (a) the cognitive and behavioural consequences of TBI were accompanied by stigma and loss of independence; (b) participants held many beliefs related to their TBI, ranging from bad luck to acceptance. Participants' personal values and beliefs provided strength and resilience, with many viewing the injury as a positive event in their lives; (c) participants were appreciative of the high standard of care they received in hospital and rehabilitation, although communication barriers were experienced; (d) many participants identified with Australian culture, and few believed their cultural background negatively impacted their experience of TBI; (e) external support, particularly from family, was considered central to recovery. CONCLUSION These findings offer insight into the challenges CALD individuals face and factors that may facilitate their recovery and improve functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reannon S Costello
- Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre (MERRC) and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Marina G Downing
- Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre (MERRC) and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Jennie Ponsford
- Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre (MERRC) and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
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Downing M, Elliot B, Ponsford J. Factors Influencing Self-Esteem After a Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:160-168. [PMID: 37335201 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its consequences can significantly impact an individual's identity and self-esteem. However, there is limited research with respect to the trajectory of change over time and factors that may influence self-esteem levels. This study aimed to investigate: (1) changes in self-esteem over 3 years post-TBI; and (2) factors associated with self-esteem post-TBI. SETTING Outpatient. PARTICIPANTS, DESIGN, AND MEASURES Self-esteem was measured in 1267 individuals with predominantly moderate to severe TBI (mean age = 36.38 years, mean days in posttraumatic amnesia = 26.16 days) using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale at 1-, 2, and 3 years post-injury. Participants also completed the Structured Outcome Questionnaire and the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E). RESULTS Linear mixed modeling indicated that self-esteem significantly declined between 1 and 2 years but remained stable between 2 and 3 years post-injury. Higher self-esteem was significantly associated with better functional outcomes (as measured by the GOS-E), more years of education, more participation in leisure activities, and lower reported anxiety and depression levels. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that functional impacts of injury and emotional functioning influence self-esteem increasingly between 1 and 2 years post-injury. This highlights the importance of timely psychological interventions to maximize self-esteem in individuals with TBI post-injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Downing
- Author Affiliations: Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia (Drs Downing and Ponsford and Ms Elliot); Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia (Drs Downing and Ponsford and Ms Elliot); and Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia (Dr Ponsford)
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Elbourn E, Brassel S, Steel J, Togher L. Perceptions of communication recovery following traumatic brain injury: A qualitative investigation across 2 years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:463-482. [PMID: 36239151 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploring the perceptions of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) towards their brain injury recovery across the continuum of care may offer insights to support engagement with rehabilitation services. Illness narratives are a potentially valuable avenue for examining perceptions of recovery that may influence engagement. AIMS The aim of this study is to explore the perspective of individuals with severe TBI towards their communication, brain injury and recovery experiences at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post-injury. METHODS & PROCEDURES Discourse samples were obtained from 12 participants with severe TBI at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years following injury. A standardised protocol was used to elicit responses relating to perceptions of communication, the brain injury narrative, and perceptions of recovery facilitators. A thematic analysis of the discourse samples was completed. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Three overarching themes were identified: experiences of communication recovery are diverse (Theme 1), varied experiences of recovery and rehabilitation (Theme 2), and continuous and lifelong journey of recovery (Theme 3). Primary communication concerns included presence of anomia, dysarthria, conversational topic difficulties, impacts of fatigue and memory difficulties. Illness narratives revealed the importance of re-establishing a sense of self and the perceived importance of a strong social network post-injury. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The varied nature of communication challenges and recovery after TBI highlights the need for holistic, multidisciplinary support as well as inclusion of family and friends in the recovery process. Social communication intervention is a perceived priority area for individuals with TBI. Illness narratives may also play a valuable role in therapy and help to shape post-injury identity. Managing the impacts of fatigue on communication and encouraging individuals to take ownership over their recovery and treatment may also help to improve patient outcomes. Supporting individuals to construct positive brain injury narratives that reaffirm a sense of self and include perspectives of family and friends may offer a potential future avenue for rehabilitation. Tailored but flexible, team-based service delivery models for individuals with TBI that span from acute to long-term care are warranted. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS?: What is already known on this subject Communication recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) is complex and multifaceted. The perceptions of individuals with TBI toward their communication recovery is largely unknown. To establish rehabilitation services that meet the needs of these individuals, we need to understand how they experience communication recovery. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Social communication interventions were perceived as a priority for intervention by individuals with TBI. Fatigue was identified as perceived barrier to communication recovery. Taking ownership over one's recovery process was revealed as a facilitator of recovery. Illness narratives were found to strengthen post-injury identity over time. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Speech pathologists should prioritise social communication interventions and fatigue management for communication. Facilitating ownership of the recovery process and offering long-term supports are key aspects of treatment. Supporting positive illness narratives as part of treatment may facilitate post-injury identity construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Elbourn
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sophie Brassel
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Steel
- The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leanne Togher
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Miller LR, Divers R, Reed C, Cherry J, Patrick A, Calamia M. Value-consistent rehabilitation is associated with long-term psychological flexibility and quality of life after traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37708399 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2256964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Meaningful steps have been taken toward using holistic approaches in outpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury (TBI) (i.e., treating the whole individual); however, research and practice continue to disproportionately focus on adapting to physical and cognitive changes. Research suggests treatment focusing on individual values may be important for psychological adjustment after TBI. The current study sought to explore individual values across multiple life domains in those with TBI as well as what values outpatient rehabilitation was helpful for, and to examine discrepancies between these factors (i.e., value-consistent rehabilitation) in relation to important long-term treatment outcomes. 215 adults with a history of TBI who had participated in outpatient rehabilitation completed online surveys assessing how consistent outpatient rehabilitation was with individual values, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. The life domains with the greatest discrepancies between individual importance and rehabilitation helpfulness were spirituality, intimate relations, and family relations. Greater value-consistent rehabilitation was associated with higher levels of psychological flexibility and quality of life beyond demographics and injury characteristics. Our findings provide further support in favour of holistic, client-centred approaches that are facilitated by neurological rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke R Miller
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Ross Divers
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Christopher Reed
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Jared Cherry
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Abihail Patrick
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Matthew Calamia
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Lundine JP, Hagen E, Davies S. Perspectives on care coordination for youth with TBI: Moving forward to provide better care. NeuroRehabilitation 2023:NRE220196. [PMID: 37125565 DOI: 10.3233/nre-220196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care coordination aligns services and optimizes outcomes for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet numerous obstacles can impede effective care coordination following a TBI. OBJECTIVE The goal of this work is to identify barriers and facilitators to care coordination from the perspective of individuals who care for young people impacted by TBI (e.g., medical providers, educators, caregivers). METHODS Twenty-one care providers participated in semi-structured interviews to gather their perspectives on systems of care coordination for youth with TBI and potential areas for improvement. Using reflexive thematic analysis, researchers identified key themes across interviews. RESULTS Three themes were identified: 1) gaps in knowledge; 2) poor collaboration and communication between systems and care providers; and 3) inadequate legislative and policy frameworks that fund and support pediatric TBI. Across themes, participants shared their experiences and ideas to improve each of these areas. CONCLUSION A structured, consistent, and coordinated system of care for pediatric TBI is critical to ensure optimal outcomes. Protocols that emphasize intentional and productive collaboration between healthcare settings and schools and education for all care providers are cornerstones in improving outcomes for children. Top-down action that develops policy and funding initiatives is needed to ensure equitable, consistent access to appropriate healthcare and educational supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer P Lundine
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Clinical Therapies and Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erika Hagen
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Susan Davies
- Department of Counselor Education and Human Services, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
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Nalder E, King G, Hunt AW, Hartman LR, Szigeti Z, Drake E, Shah R, Shahzad M, Resnick M, Pereira G, Lenton E. Indicators of life success from the perspective of individuals with traumatic brain injury: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:330-343. [PMID: 35037526 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2025274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose was to synthesize qualitative literature and identify indicators of life success (positive life outcomes and experiences) that can help in understanding resiliency in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS This scoping review involved searching nine online databases for population (TBI) and context (qualitative literature). Searches retrieved 42 852 articles and, after two-stage screening, 76 articles met the inclusion criteria of reporting indicators of life success from the perspective of individuals with TBI. RESULTS Most studies were conducted in North America, Australia, or Europe. Participants were people living with TBI (mild to severe), of all age ranges. Positive life experiences were organized within four domains: understanding of oneself and one's life, social relationships and interaction, doing (engagement in activities, sense of control and accomplishment), and hope for the future. CONCLUSIONS The positive life experiences reflect both processes and outcomes (indicators of success) and highlight the need for a multidimensional approach when seeking to understand resiliency following TBI. The transactional framework of life experiences can be applied in future TBI resiliency research to understand how individuals negotiate adversity through experiences promoting understanding of oneself and the world, social relationships, engagement in activity and hope. Implications for rehabilitationRehabilitation services should consider how to afford opportunities for engagement in activity, social interaction, meaning making (i.e., coming to new understandings), and hope.With respect to engaging in activity and social relationships, having social interaction, being understood, being active and productive, having autonomy, and having accomplishments, reflect important experiences to enable within rehabilitation services.Rehabilitation professionals should consider how providing opportunities for their clients to have positive life experiences may contribute toward an adaptive and empowered mindset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Nalder
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- March of Dimes Canada, East York, Canada
| | - Gillian King
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute & Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anne W Hunt
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura R Hartman
- Bloorview Research Institute & Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zara Szigeti
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute & Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emma Drake
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Riya Shah
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maryam Shahzad
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Myles Resnick
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Giles Pereira
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Erica Lenton
- Gerstein Science Information Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Mamman R, Mortenson WB, Fleming J, Schmidt J. Living in a reshaped reality: Exploring social participation and self-identity after TBI. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2022; 32:2102-2124. [PMID: 35997174 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2113100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience substantial changes in their life. This constructivist grounded theory study aimed to develop an explanatory model that explores the impact of changes in social participation and self-identity after sustaining a TBI. Sixteen participants with moderate to severe TBI (mean age = 49.8, 69% male) were recruited, and were on average 16.4 years post-injury (SD = 10.4). Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically. An overarching theme of "living in a reshaped reality" was identified, which depicted how changes in social participation and self-identity influenced ongoing experiences with TBI. Three main themes were generated: (1) "there's nothing that's the same" highlighted the daily challenges individuals faced post-injury, (2) "rebuilding and restarting" described how individuals with TBI navigated through their unfamiliar reality, and (3) "embrace it and run with it" explored participants' reactions towards life with a TBI. An explanatory model was developed, consisting of the overarching theme ("living in a reshaped reality") with the three integrated themes. Future research and clinical practices can build on this understanding to develop programmes to help individuals address their needs in post-injury life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinni Mamman
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - W Ben Mortenson
- Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jennifer Fleming
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Julia Schmidt
- Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Young M, Peterson AH. Neuroethics across the Disorders of Consciousness Care Continuum. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:375-392. [PMID: 35738293 DOI: 10.1055/a-1883-0701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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