ABSTRACT

Previous studies examining life after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have taken a predominantly short-term and quantitative perspective, with generally narrow focus, and have not specifically investigated changes in experience over time post-injury to gain a uniquely long-term perspective. This study therefore aimed to qualitatively explore the broad long-term experience of living for 10 years or more with TBI. Thirty participants completed semi-structured interviews investigating the impact of TBI on various life domains, the rehabilitation experience and support received, and overall perspectives of the long-term journey after TBI. Results demonstrated that: (a) although some participants reported full recovery, several experienced persistent physical, cognitive and emotional problems that impacted their independence, employment and interpersonal relationships; (b) early rehabilitation was very helpful, but some participants experienced difficulties accessing ongoing services; (c) family and social support were important to recovery; (d) most participants drew upon inner strength to find positives in their experience. These findings have identified factors that facilitate and impede long-term recovery from TBI, which may inform better support and care for injured individuals over the years after injury to improve their quality of life.

摘要

先前对创伤性脑损伤 (TBI) 后生活的研究主要采用短期和定量的观点，通常关注范围狭窄，并且没有专门研究随着时间的推移经历的变化受伤后获得独特的长期视角。因此，本研究旨在定性探索 TBI 患者生活 10 年或更长时间的广泛长期经验。30 名参与者完成了半结构式访谈，调查 TBI 对各个生活领域的影响、所获得的康复经验和支持，以及 TBI 后长期旅程的整体观点。结果表明： (a) 虽然一些参与者报告说完全康复，但一些参与者经历了持续的身体、认知和情绪问题，影响了他们的独立性、就业和人际关系；(b) 早期康复非常有帮助，但一些参与者在获得持续服务方面遇到困难；(c) 家庭和社会支持对康复很重要；(d) 大多数参与者利用内在的力量在他们的经历中找到积极的一面。这些发现确定了促进和阻碍 TBI 长期康复的因素，这可能会在受伤后的几年内为受伤者提供更好的支持和护理，以提高他们的生活质量。