TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Family needs in the chronic phase after severe brain injury in Denmark
JO  - Brain injury
A1  - Doser, Karoline
A1  - Norup, Anne
SP  - 1230
EP  - 1237
VL  - 28
IS  - 10
N2  - OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study aimed at investigating (1) changes in the status of family members between time of injury and follow-up in the chronic phase and (2) the most important needs within the family in the chronic phase and whether the needs were perceived as met. Participants: The sample comprised 42 relatives (76% female, mean age = 53 years) of patients with severe brain injury, who had received intensive sub-acute rehabilitation. The relatives were contacted in the chronic phase after brain injury. Outcome measure: A set of questions about demographics and time spent caregiving for the patient was completed. The relatives completed the revised version of the Family Needs Questionnaire, a questionnaire consisting of 37 items related to different needs following brain injury. <br><br>RESULTS: Significant changes in status were found in employment (z = -3.464, p = 0.001) and co-habitation (z = -3.317, p = 0.001). The sub-scale 'Health Information' (Mean = 3.50, SD = 0.73) had the highest mean importance rating, whereas the sub-scale 'Emotional support' (Mean = 3.07, SD = 0.79) had the lowest. When combining importance and met ratings, it was found that the five most important needs were only met in 41-50% of the total sample. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Occupational and co-habitation status of the relatives was significantly affected by brain injury. A high number of relatives reported family needs not satisfied in the chronic phase. This requires an interventional approach for families to get these needs fulfilled individually, even after rehabilitation.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0269-9052
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2014.915985
ID  - ref1
ER  -