Understanding the experiences of people with Acquired Brain Injury and their interactions with outside services

Abstract

Previous research has focused on Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) regarding the cognitive, behavioural, psychological and social effects, and the outcomes and implications this has had in different areas of people’s lives. However, there has been limited research exploring the existing relationship between individuals with ABI and community service providers. Therefore, the current study’s objective was to understand the experiences that those with ABI have had of community services and to recognise the extent to which they believed that these services understand their difficulties and needs. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to allow the participants to reflect on the areas in which they believed were most important to their subjective experiences as a person with ABI, family member related to someone with ABI, or as a professional who had interacted with people with ABI in their role. Eight participants were recruited (two professionals, two individuals with ABI and four family members of individuals with ABI) and took part in semi-structured interviews. Five super-ordinate themes were identified following analysis of the transcripts 1) Hidden disabilities, 2) Knowledge and understanding, 3) Impact of ABI, 4) Access to services, and 5) Safeguarding. Several sub-themes within each superordinate theme were also identified. The findings from the study were consistent with previous research literature, and identified areas that could be improved.