A Qualitative Study to Understand the Impact of Caring for Traumatic Injury Survivors

Abstract

Background: Following traumatic injury, an informal carer is often required to support recovery. Understanding the impact of caregiving is important to inform intervention design. Aim: to explore the impact of caring on family and caregiver finances, employment, social life, and psychological wellbeing. Method: Semi-structured interviews conducted with carers of traumatic injury survivors. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed, informed by the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results: Ten participants were interviewed. Key themes included (1) financial impact/employment issues, (2) relationships and support and (3) psychological impact. Most carers did not receive professional support with daily care post-discharge. Carers’ employers responded positively, supporting them even after extensive leave. Carers received inconsistent communication whilst visiting trauma survivors in hospital; carers with healthcare experience were favoured. Navigating and receiving benefits was complex. Some carers found it difficult to accept the trauma survivor’s injury, whilst others focused on achieving goals. Conclusions: Support from professional services is limited outside hospital settings for non-brain injuries. Future interventions and healthcare services should acknowledge the lack of psychological support for carers. Researchers should consider using the ICF/RAM when designing interventions to ensure the full impact on carers is addressed.

Predictors of Quality of Life Among Omani Family Caregivers of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

“…22 The DRS has a total score ranging from 0 (no disabling impairments) to 29 (extreme vegetative state). The total scores are further classified as either no disability (0), mild disability (1), partial disability (2-3), moderate disability (4-6), moderately severe disability (7)(8)(9)(10)(11), severe disability (12)(13)(14)(15)(16), extremely severe disability (17)(18)(19)(20)(21), vegetative state (22)(23)(24) and extreme vegetative state (25-29). 22 The DRS has an inter-rater reliability of ≥0.97.…”

“…Caregiving is a multi-faceted role that requires the FCs to provide physical, psychological, emotional, social, and financial support, often under strain and stress. 11 Due to the lack of well-established rehabilitation services, Omani FCs of patients with TBI are likely to assume caregiving roles without any support or training to help them meet the new demands and responsibilities. 10 Considering the physical, cognitive, behavioural, and psychosocial sequelae of TBI, the FCs taking care of such patients at home tend to be overwhelmed, especially when they are not supported.…”