Date Presented 04/03/2025
The findings of this study demonstrate the complex, multifaceted nature of quality of life after traumatic brain injury (TBI), identifying major personal, environmental, and occupational challenges that either support or hinder their quality of life.
Primary Author and Speaker: Natalie King
Additional Authors and Speakers: Mary Shotwell, Bryan M. Gee
BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. TBI often results in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that can drastically reduce survivors' quality of life. These impairments influence daily activities, emotional well-being, social participation, and overall life satisfaction, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. This study seeks to provide deeper insights into the factors that influence the quality of life for TBI survivors.
METHOD: This research employed a phenomenological qualitative approach to understand how survivors navigate their post-injury lives. Fourteen TBI survivors, aged 18 to 65, were interviewed, and data was analyzed using a multi-stage coding process, integrating theoretical triangulation with AI-assisted analysis for robust theme identification.
RESULTS: Utilizing the constructs from the PEO model, four themes emerged from the data, including 1) personal factors, 2) environmental factors, 3) occupational factors, and 4) dynamics of quality of life.
CONCLUSION: Key findings highlight the complex, multifaceted nature of quality of life following TBI, identifying major personal, environmental, and occupational challenges that either support or hinder their quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored, person-centered rehabilitation strategies that address physical, cognitive, and environmental barriers. This study provides critical insights into enhancing occupational therapy interventions and improving long-term outcomes for TBI survivors. The findings underscore the need for holistic care approaches to enhance the quality of life and independence in this population. Occupational therapy is a significant component within the recovery process for individuals with TBI who are well equipped to anticipate the barriers individuals with TBI face through the use of the PEO model.
References
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