Article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prevalent in Kentucky and comes with a
high cost in care and quality of life for individuals and caregivers affected.
Many people living with the condition of TBI have unmet needs. Research among
people living with TBI in rural areas is limited.
The purposes of this study were
to (1) increase understanding of the lived experience of people with TBI and
caregivers in rural regions of Kentucky across the continuum of their care and
(2) provide their perspectives on barriers and facilitators of optimal function
and well-being. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive interview study was conducted
by a multidisciplinary team. Content analysis was completed with data-derived
coding and iterative modifications to analysis, coalescing codes into categories
and themes. RESULTS: Thirteen people with TBI and six caregivers participated in
the interview. Categories that emerged in analysis included the experiences under
each locus of care; themes included relationships, functional competence, and
participation in meaningful activity. CONCLUSION: Relationships represented both
barriers and facilitators of well-being. Major unmet needs persisted in terms of
medical problems, support for caregivers, community linkages, and participation
in meaningful activities. Recommendations are made regarding avenues for
addressing unmet needs. Implications for Rehabilitation People with TBI are
living with chronic conditions and may need intensive rehabilitation after the
injury and intermittent rehabilitation throughout life to develop and maintain
functional competence. Rehabilitation providers need to understand the unique
aspects of the rural home environment to which a patient will be discharged
(e.g., mountainous terrain, lack of transportation, dimensions of home) and
communicate with rural providers directly. Rehabilitation providers need
additional focus on improving patient's and caregiver's abilities to advocate for
themselves. Patients with TBI should be referred to vocational rehabilitation as
soon as possible to make the transition to meaningful activity at home more of a possibility.

Langue : ANGLAIS