Quality of Life and Traumatic Brain Injury: A One-Year Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to gain an understanding of the experience of quality of life by those affected by traumatic brain injury. Eighteen patients, their significant other and members of the rehabilitation team were interviewed individually when the patient was discharged from the ward of a neurological rehabilitation hospital, then after 6 months and, again, at one year following discharge from the ward.

When the data were analysed, several factors involved in the subjective experience of quality of life were identified. These included a sense of wellbeing, functional status, personal autonomy and the need for the acceptance of disability. An understanding of the experience of those with traumatic brain injury could raise awareness of the issues involved and hence assist those involved in the care of this client group.