@article{ref1,
title="'Family first' - feasibility and pilot outcomes of a community intervention for families of children in recovery following brain injury",
journal="Brain injury",
year="2024",
author="McCusker, Chris and Quinn, Catherine and Smyth, Bridget and Irwin, Meg and McCavert, Mary-Elaine and Raleigh, Niamh and McCrudden, Eunan",
volume="",
number="",
pages="1-9",
abstract="PURPOSE: Feasibility and pilot outcomes of a new community-based program for families of children with acquired brain injury (ABI) are presented. Interventions, delivered by home-visiting and teletherapy, were underpinned by problem-solving therapy, narrative meaning making, goal-directed interventions and community system psychoeducation. <br><br>METHODS: Eighty-three families of children, who had sustained an ABI before 12 years of age, had an average of 13 sessions of the 'Family First' (FF) intervention. A mixed-methods prospective design was employed. Feasibility was evaluated through measures of accessibility and acceptability. Goal attainment scaling and pre-post changes on standardized questionnaires assessed changes in psychosocial adjustment and quality of life. <br><br>RESULTS: Feasibility analyses suggested engagement and retention of often hard to reach families and children with high psychosocial needs. Qualitative analyses suggested themes related to the accessibility of a unique service ('Nothing else like this out there' and 'Accessible and flexible') which facilitated 'Empowerment' within a family context ('A family affair'). Promising changes on standardized scales of behavior problems, competencies and child and family quality of life were discerned. Increased goal attainment scores were observed. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The FF program showed feasibility and promise. It impacted positively on the lives of children and families and improved capacity in supporting systems.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0269-9052",
doi="10.1080/02699052.2024.2311347",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2024.2311347"
}