Participants' experiences of rehabilitation camp

Abstract

Background: Enabling people to return to independent living following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a challenge for rehabilitation. In co-operation with the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic, the non-governmental organization Rehalb holds week-long rehabilitation camps (RC). These deliberately take people from the hospital setting to a more demanding environment in order to encourage attendees to become more independent. Aim: This study aimed to uncover and describe the personal experiences of rehabilitation camp participants. Methods: A phenomenological approach was used. Data were gathered from 6 in-depth interviews. Results: The RCs seem to provoke enhanced opportunities within the participants' changed capacities. The camp's activities provided opportunities for easier re-integration into society; significant progress was being observed in related aspects. Six themes, which incorporated several categories, were identified: "Doing more"; "Escaping stereotypes"; "Discovering hidden potential"; "Finding independence"; "Transferring to normal life" and "Building relationships". Conclusions: The natural and constantly stimulating rehabilitation environment of the camps can be considered a very appropriate setting for interdisciplinary stimulation of independence skills of the ABI clients. In that matter, the RCs could be considered an important component of the rehabilitation process for people with the ABI diagnosis.