Long-term outpatient therapy: perspectives from acquired brain injury survivors, their caregivers and the therapy team: a KwaZulu-Natal study.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acquired brain injuries often result in persistent residual impairments which negatively impact the individual for years after the injury, contributing to difficulty in the acquired brain injury survivor reintegrating into the community. A non-government organisation in KwaZulu-Natal provides long-term outpatient therapy to this population, with involvement from their caregivers, and the therapy team. This study aims to gain more insight into the stakeholders’ experiences of this type of the therapy, and whether there is a need for it. Aim: To explore the experiences and perceptions of acquired brain injury survivors, their caregivers and the therapy team involved in this long-term therapy programme. Methods: An exploratory, qualitative research design was used. The study was conducted at the non-government organisation providing long-term outpatient therapy for the acquired brain injury survivors in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, and the sample was recruited from participants attending this facility, using purposive sampling. Face-toface and telephonic interviews were conducted with participants who met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 11 participants recruited. Data was then analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged, namely: the impact of an acquired brain injury indicating the need for long-term therapy; the benefits of long-term therapy for acquired brain injury survivors; and the challenges of long term therapy for acquired brain injury survivors. The acquired brain injury survivors still had residual deficits which impacted on their ability to engage in occupations, and as a result required continued intervention. Furthermore, participation in groups and long-term therapy reduced the participants’ feeling of social isolation and contributed toward the acquired brain injury survivors’ perceptions of being engaged in meaningful occupations. However, some changes to the programme were suggested. Conclusion: Acquired brain injury is a complex condition which can result in residual impairments, and which requires care on a long-term basis. The provision of long-term therapy for this population appears to have numerous benefits, and some challenges that need to be addressed. The provision of this service assists in bridging the gap between hospitalisation and community reintegration for the acquired brain injury survivors. Keywords: Acquired brain injury, ABI survivor, long-term therapy/rehabilitation, caregiver, therapy team.