@article{ref1,
title="Surviving the "silent epidemic": a qualitative exploration of the long-term journey after traumatic brain injury",
journal="Neuropsychological rehabilitation",
year="2020",
author="Lefkovits, Aviva Margaret and Hicks, Amelia J. and Downing, Marina and Ponsford, Jennie",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="Previous studies examining life after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have taken a predominantly short-term and quantitative perspective, with generally narrow focus, and have not specifically investigated changes in experience over time post-injury to gain a uniquely long-term perspective. This study therefore aimed to qualitatively explore the broad long-term experience of living for 10 years or more with TBI. Thirty participants completed semi-structured interviews investigating the impact of TBI on various life domains, the rehabilitation experience and support received, and overall perspectives of the long-term journey after TBI. <br><br>RESULTS demonstrated that: (a) although some participants reported full recovery, several experienced persistent physical, cognitive and emotional problems that impacted their independence, employment and interpersonal relationships; (b) early rehabilitation was very helpful, but some participants experienced difficulties accessing ongoing services; (c) family and social support were important to recovery; (d) most participants drew upon inner strength to find positives in their experience. These findings have identified factors that facilitate and impede long-term recovery from TBI, which may inform better support and care for injured individuals over the years after injury to improve their quality of life.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0960-2011",
doi="10.1080/09602011.2020.1787849",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2020.1787849"
}