posted on 2022-10-06, 07:44authored byCatherine Browne
Aim: This study is principally focused on the experiences of survivors of Traumatic Brain
Injury (TB1) in Ireland and family members.
Literature: The literature draws mainly from the discIpline of sociology and the following
sub-disciplines: the sociology of health and illness, the sociology of organisations,
disability, illness narratives and family theory.
Conceptual Framework: The ovcrarching analytical framework utilises and builds on the
traditional biomedical model of TB1, acknowledging that the biomedical model has much
to infonn with regard to TB1. However, this study examined the wider implications of
TB1 on individuals, families. health professionals, government and society. Therefore, an
holistic model is appropriate to supplement the traditional approach. This was found to
be useful for considering TBI in the Irish context and allowed for the inclusion of social
aspects of interest.
Methods: This research utilised a mixed methods approach. A retrospective study which
involved a quantitative data gathering exercise resulted in the development of substantial
dala sets of admissions to the only two specialised neurosurgical units in Ireland: these
were Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Cork University Hospital. Qualitative interviews
with survivors and family members were conducted. The purposive sample selection of
survivors and family members was drawn from the hospital datasets referred to above.
Findings: Key findings focus on the considerable adjustment necessary for many of the
survivors of TBI. The chaos that entered people's lives, the shift from independence to
dependence, the loss of friends, jobs and previous routines influenced their experience of
recovery. Lack of public awareness regarding brain injury and the reaction of others to
disability had a profound effect on how survivors managed everyday encounters and social
interactions. Survivors reported being 'written off by health and social care providers.
However, survivors in this study had definite goals and aspirations and many stated they
felt ' lucky to be alive'. The theme 'lucky to be alive' and the perspectives of survivors
offer an alternative argument 10 the often widely held societal belief that the survivor
'would be belter off dead' than brain damaged and disabled for life.
Key findings from family members of TBl survivors focus on the adaptation required.
Parents not being able to retire and spouses having to become 'breadwinners', as well
as carers, are unexpected changes. Family encounters with healthcare providers were
sometimes problematic. Some participants reported being told to remove their loved
ones from acute hospitals because they were 'bed-blocking'. Family members and TBI
survivors shared the view thaI rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation supports and services
in Ireland remain fragmented and poorly resourced.
Key conclusions are drawn from the research findings and recommendations developed to
improve rccovery processes and quality of life for TBI survivors and their families.