Citation

Liang P, Fleming J, Gustafsson L, Griffin J, Liddle J. Brain Inj. 2017; 31(4): 517-525.

Affiliation

c UQ Centre for Clinical Research , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2017.1283058

PMID

28340304

Abstract

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: 1) To explore family members' lived experiences of driving disruption at early and later stages of the recovery continuum following acquired brain injury (ABI). 2) To describe health-related quality of life of family members of individuals with ABI who are experiencing driving disruption. RESEARCH DESIGN: Mixed methods phenomenological research approach.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Semi-structured interviews and health-related quality of life questionnaires were conducted with 15 family members of individuals with ABI (early group: 1-12 months post-injury, n = 6; later group: >1 year post-injury, n = 9).

RESULTS: Two main themes were identified: Different for everyone: how driving disruption affects families, and Making it harder: context of driving disruption. The challenges of driving disruption were reported more frequently and with a more intense focus by family members who were caring for their relative for more than 1 year post-injury. This group also reported higher caregiver strain and poorer health-related quality of life. Reduced satisfaction with life, poor mental health and affected family functioning were reported by both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Driving disruption impacts on family members and has long-lasting consequences. It is important for clinicians to work with family members to manage these challenges even years after ABI and consider individual contextual factors.

Language: en

Keywords

Brain injury; automobile driving; caregiver; family; lived experiences; quality of life