Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Capstone Project
Project Type
Qualitative Study
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Gina Tucker-Roghi, OTD, OTR/L, BCG
Faculty Advisor
Laura Greiss Hess, PhD, OTR/L
Abstract
Background: Acquired brain injuries (ABI) is an umbrella term for mild to severe injuries on the brain with different etiologies, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by an external force like a motor vehicle accident, or a non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI) results from an internal force, such as a stroke or aneurysm (Oyesanya, 2017). Current practice trends anchored in traditional rehabilitation models provide the most services and interventions for brain injury survivors (BIS) within the first year post injury. Yet, ABI can have lifelong occupational engagement impacts and there is limited research focused on the brain injury survivor’s (BIS) return to home, work, community and the impact to family life over time.
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to understand the lived experiences of a Brain Injury Survivor (BIS) and their family members. This research is informed by our collaboration with the brain injury community, specifically with the ABI Program at Coastline Community College (CCC) and Michelle Wild, founder of BEST Connections© (Brain Education, Strategies and Technology, 2022). Our research questions were: (1) What are the lived experiences of brain injury survivors and their families after the conclusion of typical rehab supports once they return to their homes, jobs and communities? (2) How can the examination of these phenomena better inform occupation centered client and family care as well as interprofessional collaboration for service to this community?
Methods: Qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews, convenience sampling through Coastline Community College, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) program. Thematic coding via the constant comparison method and interrater reliability were established to 100% agreement consensus coding.
Results: We analyzed transcripts from six BIS. Results indicated three emerging themes that describe their lived experiences of BIS: 1) New Normal, 2) Accessibility, and 3) Effective Services. Implications for OT: Implications for OT include providing ongoing support, providing modifications and services, and advocacy for BIS and their families beyond current traditional rehabilitation models for return to meaningful occupational engagement in contexts of home, work and community.
IRB Number
11046