Acquired brain injury services in the Republic of Ireland: Experiences and perceptions of families and professionals

Primary objective: This study aimed to highlight the experiences and perceptions of rehabilitation services among families of people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and among professionals working in ABI rehabilitation services in Ireland. Research design: A qualitative, exploratory study used focus groups to gather data. Data were analysed through a system of qualitative content analysis. Method: Three focus groups were carried out involving families of people with ABI from different parts of Ireland and one focus group was carried out with professionals working in rehabilitation services. Participants in all groups responded to five broad semi-structured questions. Main results: Analysis revealed five categories across the family focus groups and, separately, five categories within the professional group. Both groups highlighted that: there is a need to develop rehabilitation services in Ireland, building and expanding on current services; there is a need to make information and education related to brain injury more widely available and to ensure it is accessible for families; and there is a need to improve co-ordination and communication between services. A range of relationship issues were also highlighted. Conclusions: Much remains to be done to improve the experiences and perceptions of brain injury rehabilitation services among families and professionals.