The family as a resource for improving patient and family functioning after traumatic brain injury: A descriptive nonrandomized feasibility study of a family-centered intervention

Abstract

The aim of this study was to address feasibility aspects of a multidisciplinary, family-centered rehabilitation intervention for persons with traumatic brain injury and their family. The study was done in preparation of a full-scale RCT and conducted as a collaboration between specialist and municipal health-care service, with two municipal health professionals included as collaborating partners. By applying the intervention on six persons, two families, we evaluated the attendance rate, the appropriateness of the intervention’s topics, the collaboration with the municipal health professionals, and the data collection method. Predefined success-criteria were used to evaluate feasibility. The family intervention and study procedures were evaluated as feasible. Some challenges arose and were discussed prior to commencing the full-scale trial. They concerned the logistics regarding the delivery of the intervention and making appropriate adjustments to meet the families’ unique needs and facilitate participation. A pragmatic approach was considered necessary in the full-scale RCT.

Keywords

• traumatic brain injury
• adults
• feasibility
• family intervention
• health related quality of life
• caregiver burden