Citation

Lefebvre H, Levert MJ. Brain Inj. 2006; 20(7): 711-718.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699050600744244

PMID

16809203

Abstract

Primary objective: This paper presents research results regarding disclosure of traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis and resulting deficits of a study aiming to investigate the experiences of individuals who had sustained a TBI, their families, the physicians and health professionals involved, from the critical care episodes and subsequent rehabilitation.Research design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had sustained a TBI (n = 8) and their families (n = 8) as well as with the health professionals (or service providers) (n = 22) and physicians (n = 9) who provided them care.Main outcomes and results: Results revealed that the quality of the disclosure is strongly influenced by the medical uncertainty surrounding the TBI and the difficulties of healthcare professionals in dealing with the family's emotions.Conclusions: Delivering bad news is always difficult, but it is possible to make this harrowing experience easier and, in so doing, enhance patient and family resilience.

Language: en