Staff experiences of working with individuals with acquired brain injury: a qualitative study

Panesar, Inderpal (2018) Staff experiences of working with individuals with acquired brain injury: a qualitative study. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Purpose: The overall aim of this thesis portfolio is to investigate the wider systemic effects of acquired brain injury (ABI); on how family members cope following their loved one experiencing brain injury, and the experiences of healthcare professionals working with survivors of ABI in neurorehabilitation.
Design: The structure of this project is presented in a portfolio format: a brief introduction, a systematic review of the literature on the coping styles of family caregivers following traumatic brain injury (TBI), a qualitative paper regarding the experiences of professionals working in a UK neurorehabilitation context, an extended methodology chapter, an overall discussion and a critical evaluation.
Findings: The systematic review found coping styles in adjusting to a family member with a TBI included avoidance coping and approach coping. These coping styles had psychosocial and emotional outcomes for caregivers, including distress, stress, burden, pessimism and worry. Additionally, types of family functioning impact upon the coping styles of caregivers.
The empirical paper utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the experiences of a range of professionals working with survivors of ABI. Three main themes were identified: personal emotional experience, the impact of meanings in personal lives, and frustrations towards the organisation.
Value of the study: The review confirms the importance of family needs in rehabilitation or support services. Better quality research is needed to investigate caregiver outcomes and coping styles. Qualitative research provides insight into the emotional experiences of a small group of professionals working in neurorehabilitation. This can be used to guide and support the well-being or supervision of professionals working with this complex client group. Areas of future research are considered.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Jackie Webb
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2018 14:45
Last Modified:	20 Nov 2018 14:45
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/68986
DOI:

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