Activity resumption after acquired brain injury: the influence of the social network as described by social workers.

Purpose: To understand how the social network of patients with acquired brain injury facilitates or hinders resumption of their activities, such as social and leisure activities, and how this affects patients' well-being and quality of life.

Methods: Thematic analysis was applied to 70 narratives about family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues helping or hindering patients in resuming their activities. The narratives were derived from social workers with extensive experience with brain-injured patients and their social networks.