@article{ref1,
title="The impact of cognitive-communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury on the family; a qualitative, focus group study",
journal="Brain injury",
year="2020",
author="Grayson, Lynn and Brady, Marian C. and Togher, Leanne and Ali, Myzoon",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="Primary Objective: To identify how families experience cognitive-communication difficulties following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Experiences of information, training and support for managing communication changes were also explored. Research Design: Qualitative focus group methodology using thematic analysis. <br><br>METHOD: 15 family members of individuals with cognitive-communication difficulties following severe TBI participated in the study; four parents, six spouses, three siblings and two offspring. The majority of participants were female (80%, n = 12), with a mean age of 51 (range 19-71). Four focus groups were held with family members at 0-12 months, 12-36 months and 36+ months post-injury. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVIVO 12. <br><br>RESULTS: Cognitive-communication difficulties were found to impact upon family functioning and psychological wellbeing for several years post-injury. Changes to social cognition, insight and the &quot;filter switch&quot; of the person following TBI were key areas of distress. Participants highlighted the need for information about communication changes to be provided at several time points post-injury. The need for peer support from other families with experience of cognitive-communication difficulties was also identified. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Cognitive-communication difficulties impact upon family functioning for many years following injury with families continuing to have support needs for communication well beyond the acute rehabilitation stage.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0269-9052",
doi="10.1080/02699052.2020.1849800",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2020.1849800"
}