A manual-based family intervention for families living with acquired brain or spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of families' experiences

Mia Moth Wolffbrandt; Pernille Langer Soendergaard; Fin Biering-Sørensen; Linda Sundekilde; Amanda Kjeldgaard; Trine Schow; Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla; Anne Norup

doi:10.1080/09638288.2023.2280063

A manual-based family intervention for families living with acquired brain or spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of families' experiences

Disabil Rehabil. 2023 Nov 20:1-11. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2280063. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Mia Moth Wolffbrandt^{1

2}, Pernille Langer Soendergaard^{1

2

3}, Fin Biering-Sørensen^{4

5}, Linda Sundekilde¹, Amanda Kjeldgaard^{1

3}, Trine Schow¹, Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla⁶, Anne Norup^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Neurorehabilitation Research and Knowledge Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
² Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
³ Neurorehabilitaion-CPH, City of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
⁴ Department of Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
⁵ Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
⁶ Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.

PMID: 37985438
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2280063

Abstract

Purpose: To explore families' experiences of participating in a family intervention, targeting families living with the consequences of acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).

Materials and methods: Individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members were recruited from a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of the manual-based family intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 families (n = 33). The data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: One central theme was developed "A sense of belonging together again", describing the value of the reciprocal format of the family intervention, where individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members gained new insights into each other while building up their relationship. The central theme was supported by three additional themes: "Strengthened communication and emotional control", "Acknowledging the changed life situation" and "Being seen as a whole person".

Conclusions: The family intervention supported the families to strengthen family cohesion and to be capable to manage the changed life situation. The findings emphasize the importance of a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation, and how healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating families to achieve a balanced level of family cohesion.

Keywords: Acquired brain injury; family intervention; qualitative research; spinal cord injury; thematic analysis.

Plain language summary

Acquiring an injury to the brain or spinal cord constitutes a severe life change for the entire family and therefore a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation is crucial.As individuals with injury and their family members often feel disconnected during rehabilitation, healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating the family to share their experiences with each other to strengthen family cohesion.Not all families are aware of their need for support. Thus, healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to identify the individual family’s needs for being supported.During conversations with families, healthcare professionals should focus on the balance between separateness and togetherness in the family system to support the families in achieving a balanced level of family cohesion.