Healthcare professional experiences of family expectations in inpatient neurorehabilitation

Blake, Jessica, Peryer, Guy, Parke, Sheryl and Farquhar, Morag (2025) Healthcare professional experiences of family expectations in inpatient neurorehabilitation. Brain Injury. ISSN 0269-9052

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Abstract

Introduction: Families of individuals who require inpatient neurorehabilitation following brain injury often have expectations of recovery that differ from treating healthcare professionals. This can hinder collaboration and create tension. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of family expectations and identify ways to improve practice. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals at a Level 1 neurorehabilitation unit in England. This National Health Service unit is commissioned to see patients with highly complex needs following a brain injury. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Eighteen healthcare professionals from a range of disciplines participated, with physiotherapists most highly represented (n=5). Analysis generated three key themes: ‘the promise of rehabilitation’, ‘confidence with complexity’, and ‘developing mutual understanding’. Participants described differing expectations as a common and emotionally demanding aspect of their work, often complicated by prognostic uncertainty. Healthcare professionals recognized hope as a valid and often protective response to a life-altering brain injury. Discussion: Improved mutual understanding may require a multi-component intervention to aid communication pre-admission, identify family support needs, support patients requiring disability management, provide emotional support to HCPs, and to address uncertainty. It is critical to first deepen understanding of family and patient perspectives on this topic.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Jessica Blake is a Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist and aspiring clinical academic working in specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation in Norwich, United Kingdom (UK). Jessica has been awarded a Higher Education England (HEE) fellowship with University of East Anglia (UEA) to support her development as a clinical academic via an NIHR doctoral application. Jessica has also completed a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration East of England (ARC EoE) Research Fellowship, where she completed the groundwork for this application.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	brain injury,family,family-centered,communication,expectations,neurorehabilitation
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	22 Dec 2025 12:30
Last Modified:	22 Dec 2025 12:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101475
DOI:	10.1080/02699052.2025.2606044

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