Article

This study explores the experiences of family members in supporting
community re-integration and return to productive occupations of the traumatic
brain injury (TBI) survivor in order to: (i) describe family members' supportive
roles, (ii) determine challenges family members experience in supporting the TBI
survivor; and (iii) identify supports that family members require to maintain and
enhance their roles. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study involved 14
interviews with immediate family members of TBI survivors.
Data was analyzed
using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Family members expressed strong motivation and
engaged in six key roles to support TBI survivors: researcher, case manager,
advocate, coach, activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental ADLs and emotional
supporter. Personal and family stressors and challenges navigating the health
care system were perceived as challenges in meeting demands of their supportive
roles. Stigma also presented a barrier to successful community and vocational
re-integration. Subsequently, family members desired more education related to
the functional implications of TBI, to be connected to health care and community
resources, and sought a greater family-centred care approach. CONCLUSIONS: Family
members require on-going counseling and community supports to prevent burnout and
allow for their continued engagement in their supportive roles. Further education
on how to navigate the health care system, access community programs and rights
to workplace accommodation is also warranted. Implications for Rehabilitation
Family members are strongly motivated to support survivors' return to productive
occupation following a traumatic brain injury, but require counseling and
community support to enable their on-going engagement and prevent burnout. Family
members can be further empowered through the implementation of family-centred
care. Family members requested further education on the long-term functional
implications of TBI, how to navigate the health care system, how to access
community programs and workers' rights to workplace accommodations.

Langue : ANGLAIS