What is it like to have your loved one with a severe brain injury come to rehabilitation? The experiences of significant others.

To investigate the experiences of significant others when their loved one with a severe brain injury is admitted to acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation. A qualitative approach was undertaken; using in-depth interviews and the drawing method to elicit information on the experiences of significant others who had loved ones enter an ABI unit, early in the sub-acute rehabilitation admission. Nine significant others participated in interviews and completed drawings. Seven themes were identified from the two sources of data. Themes included: Trauma; Relief; Interactions; Change; Grief and loss; Journey, and Uncertainty. The whole experience for the significant other is traumatic as they try to understand changes to both their loved ones and their own roles. Healthcare providers have a key role in supporting significant others as their loved ones enter rehabilitation. The role of the drawing method appears to supplement and extend data received from interviews, shedding additional light into the lived experiences of significant others of those with an acquired brain injury.Implications for rehabilitationEarly in the rehabilitation process, significant others experience emotional trauma resulting from their experience of their loved one's trauma.It is important that health professionals interactions with significant others are respectful and kind, and that interactions around processes and communication are clear.Expertise and a tailored environment reduce stress and increase feelings of confidence in significant others.Significant others may need time to talk about their experiences with health professional staff, to support them to adjust to this major life change.