Occupations outside the home: Experiences of people with acquired brain injury

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding those occupations outside the home that people with acquired brain injury find difficult, including the influencing factors, may help to develop appropriate support. The aim of this paper was to explore and describe how people with acquired brain injury experience engagement in occupations outside the home. Method: This qualitative study included repeated semi-structured interviews with eight working-age persons with acquired brain injury, which were analysed by a constant comparison analysis. Findings: The findings indicated that there were three influencing factors that had a critical effect on the participants' changes in their engagement in occupations, the strategies they adopted, and the consequences for their lives. The categories reflected how the different changes in occupations outside the home were influenced by their struggles with sensory processing and fatigue, difficulties with completing preparations, and occupational risks. Conclusion: The findings indicate that to improve engagement in occupations outside the home for people with acquired brain injury, professionals need to identify the different factors that are critical for each person's engagement. The findings also indicate the importance of considering not only occupations outside the home but also preparations required at home and recovery afterward, and how engagement outside the home is influenced by the entire occupational repertoire.

Exploring future possibilities of using information and communication technology in multidisciplinary rehabilitation after stroke – a grounded theory study

“…In this way, ICT could assist the creation of a person-centred care relationship. However, the use of ICT in rehabilitation has to be based on the needs and ability of patients, recognizing that they might experience difficulties in handling ICT tools due to their impairments and activity limitations [15][16][17]31].…”

“…However, the technology might be perceived as being difficult to handle for people with acquired brain injury, including stroke, due to cognitive deficits. Thus, it is important for professionals to note whether additional support is required [15][16][17].…”

Patterns of participation: Facilitating and hindering aspects related to places for activities outside the home after stroke

“…Participation commonly include engagement in activities in numerous places. After a stroke, it can be challenging to be engaged in activities in places outside the home [1][2][3][4]. Recent research has found that people with a severe or moderate disability after a stroke visit fewer places, compared to those with good recovery after stroke [5].…”

“…It is well known that the possibilities for participation are influenced by transportation to and from different places where the activities take place [3,10,11]. When the place of residence is located in areas where access to public transportation is limited, a car is particularly important for transportation.…”

Factors affecting outcome in participation one year after stroke: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

“…A stroke may impact a person on many different levels, and returning to life as it was before stroke can be a long-term struggle (1). For many years after stroke, the physical, cognitive and emotional conse-quences can have a substantial impact on a person's participation in everyday life at home and in society (2)(3)(4)(5). The client-centred approach is highlighted in occupational therapy models (6,7) and recommended for rehabilitation after stroke in order to achieve a successful rehabilitation outcome.…”