Caring for Thai Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors in a Transitional Period: What Are the Barriers?
Abstract
Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in a tertiary hospital, in Songkhla province, Thailand. Five TBI family caregivers and nine nurses, who cared for TBI patients from admission to discharge, were selected for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Reviews of existing documents related to caring for someone during a transition period; such as: the caregiver’s booklet manual, nurse’s guideline, discharge education, and the service plan were also analyzed. Content analysis was used to explore caring for someone during a TBI situation, within the Thai context.
Results: The findings revealed six main barriers in the current care system for TBI caregivers and nurses. These included: (1) inadequate discharge teaching information, (2) less time in caregiver’s supervision and support, (3) lack of a comprehensive discharge plan, (4) lack of coordination and communication in follow-up care, (5) less confidence in providing care without support at home, and (6) poor availability of resources and time for consultation.
Conclusion: Caregivers require more information and supportive care in order to enhance their adaptation in taking care of TBI patients in the long term. Developing a tele-nursing based caregiver transitional support program among TBI caregivers is suggested.
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