Older adults' lived experiences of physical rehabilitation for acquired brain injury and their perceptions of well-being: A qualitative phenomenological study

Authors: Lafiatoglou, P., Ellis-Hill, C., Gouva, M., Ploumis, A. and Mantzoukas, S.

Journal: Journal of Clinical Nursing

Volume: 33

Issue: 3

Pages: 1134-1149

eISSN: 1365-2702

ISSN: 0962-1067

DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16939

Abstract:

Aim: To explore the experiences of older adults (65+) living with acquired brain injury regarding their sense of well-being during physical rehabilitation within the Greek Healthcare System. Background: With the increasing ageing population and the life-changing effects of acquired brain injury, there is a need to focus on care for older people and their potential to live well. Rehabilitation systems deserve greater attention, especially in improving the well-being of those who are using them. Design: A qualitative study design with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. Methods: Fourteen older adults living with acquired brain injury and undergoing physical rehabilitation in Greece were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data and were thematically analysed using van Manen's and Clarke and Braun's methods. The COREQ checklist was followed. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Challenges of new life situation, (2) Seeking emotional and practical support through social interaction, (3) Identifying contextual processes of rehabilitation, (4) Realising the new self. Conclusions: The subjective experiences, intersubjective relations and contextual conditions influence the sense of well-being among older adults living with acquired brain injury, thus impacting the realisation of their new self. The study makes the notion of well-being a more tangible concept by relating it to the degree of adaptation to the new situation and the potential for older adults to create a future whilst living with acquired brain injury. Relevance for Clinical Practice: Identifying the factors that impact older adults' sense of well-being during rehabilitation can guide healthcare professionals in enhancing the quality of care offered and providing more dignified and humanising care. Patient or Public Contribution: Older adults living with acquired brain injury were involved in the study as participants providing the research data.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39212/

Source: Scopus