Team-based rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: a qualitative synthesis of evidence of experiences of the rehabilitation process

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize and explore experiences of the rehabilitation process for adults with traumatic brain injury receiving team-based rehabilitation.
 Data sources: A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted according to the "Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research" (ENTREQ) Guidelines, of qualitative studies published in 5 databases in 2000–21.
 Study selection and data extraction: Screening, selection of relevant studies, assessment of methodological limitations, systematic qualitative content analysis and assessment of confidence with GRADE-CERQual [AQ5] were carried out by independent researchers.
 Data synthesis: The 10 included studies revealed how people with traumatic brain injury perceived that they struggled on their own for a long time to adapt their daily life. They experienced that access to team-based rehabilitation was scarce and that the interventions offered were neither individually tailored nor coordinated. A respectful attitude from professionals and individually adapted information facilitated their rehabilitation process.
 Conclusion: This qualitative evidence synthesis indicates areas for improvement and a need to develop person-centred team-based rehabilitation for adults with traumatic brain injury, in terms of accessibility, coordination, continuity, content and participation. Given the limited opportunities for team-based rehabilitation after hospital discharge, further research is needed to understand how rehabilitation can support the adaptation of daily activities.

“Leadership in Rehabilitation Teamwork: Challenges for Developing Countries”

“…Different forms of team work, including interdisciplinary (IDR), multidisciplinary (MDR), and transdisciplinary rehabilitation formats, were described. However, there are disputes about the suitability, effectiveness, and setting of each type of team ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ). The composition of the rehabilitation teams and the number of team members vary widely depending on the disease condition and the individualized choice of the primary team member.…”