TY - JOUR
T1 - A manual-based family intervention for families living with acquired brain or spinal cord injury
T2 - a qualitative study of families' experiences
AU - Wolffbrandt, Mia Moth
AU - Soendergaard, Pernille Langer
AU - Biering-Sørensen, Fin
AU - Sundekilde, Linda
AU - Kjeldgaard, Amanda
AU - Schow, Trine
AU - Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos
AU - Norup, Anne
PY - 2024/9
Y1 - 2024/9
N2 - PURPOSE: To explore families' experiences of participating in a family intervention, targeting families living with the consequences of acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members were recruited from a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of the manual-based family intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 families (n = 33). The data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.RESULTS: One central theme was developed "A sense of belonging together again", describing the value of the reciprocal format of the family intervention, where individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members gained new insights into each other while building up their relationship. The central theme was supported by three additional themes: "Strengthened communication and emotional control", "Acknowledging the changed life situation" and "Being seen as a whole person".CONCLUSIONS: The family intervention supported the families to strengthen family cohesion and to be capable to manage the changed life situation. The findings emphasize the importance of a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation, and how healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating families to achieve a balanced level of family cohesion.
AB - PURPOSE: To explore families' experiences of participating in a family intervention, targeting families living with the consequences of acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members were recruited from a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of the manual-based family intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 families (n = 33). The data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.RESULTS: One central theme was developed "A sense of belonging together again", describing the value of the reciprocal format of the family intervention, where individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members gained new insights into each other while building up their relationship. The central theme was supported by three additional themes: "Strengthened communication and emotional control", "Acknowledging the changed life situation" and "Being seen as a whole person".CONCLUSIONS: The family intervention supported the families to strengthen family cohesion and to be capable to manage the changed life situation. The findings emphasize the importance of a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation, and how healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating families to achieve a balanced level of family cohesion.
KW - Adaptation, Psychological
KW - Adult
KW - Aged
KW - Brain Injuries/rehabilitation
KW - Caregivers/psychology
KW - Communication
KW - Family Relations/psychology
KW - Family Therapy/methods
KW - Family/psychology
KW - Female
KW - Humans
KW - Interviews as Topic
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Qualitative Research
KW - Spinal Cord Injuries/rehabilitation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85177468085&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/09638288.2023.2280063
DO - 10.1080/09638288.2023.2280063
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 37985438
SN - 1464-5165
VL - 46
SP - 4503
EP - 4513
JO - Disability and Rehabilitation
JF - Disability and Rehabilitation
IS - 19
ER -