Humanising brain injury rehabilitation: A qualitative study examining humanising approaches to engagement in the context of a storytelling advocacy programme

Tags: rehabilitation

Description:

Building upon the findings of an earlier study that explored the experience and impact of narrative storytelling following acquired brain injury (ABI), this study sought to examine the engagement of storytelling facilitators with storytellers. Transcripts of in-depth interviews conducted with six storytelling facilitators were analysed drawing upon content analysis. The analysis included a process of mapping previously analysed data to a humanising values framework.

The findings of this study provide insights into how facilitators engaged in humanising practice within the context of a storytelling advocacy programme. The facilitator participants ranged in years of facilitation experience from 1 to 11 years, with a mix of professional backgrounds, including health care (3), journalism (1) and community development (2). Analysed facilitator data mapped to each of the eight dimensions of the framework (insiderness, agency, uniqueness, togetherness, sense-making, personal journey, sense of place and embodiment), with a breadth of codes represented in each dimension, revealing the depth of humanisation. This study extends our understanding of approaches to engagement with adults living with ABI, demonstrating the humanising potential of storytelling. Furthermore, the findings help us to think about what it means to be human, guiding us to find ways to better partner with and support adults living with brain injury.

Citation:

D’Cruz, K., Douglas, J., Serry, T. (2021). Humanising brain injury rehabilitation: A qualitative study examining humanising approaches to engagement in the context of a storytelling advocacy programme. Brain Impairment.

General Considerations for Conducting Online Qualitative Research and Practice Implications for Interviewing People with Acquired Brain Injury

Tags: rehabilitation

Description:

This paper examines the existing literature and maps out the potential practical, ethical and methodological considerations when adapting research methods to an online environment, with suggestions for practice when working with adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). People with ABI experience a range of impairments likely to be impacted by the adaptation of interview methods to an online space. This paper discusses the benefits and challenges of conducting qualitative interviews online and maps out the key practical, ethical and methodological considerations for planning and conducting interviews. Being aware of the potential complexities with interviewing people with ABI online should enable researchers to plan strategies to overcome challenges accordingly. It is hoped that the guidance and suggestions offered in this paper will assist researchers to deliver best practice research while protecting the welfare of participants with ABI, and more generally.

Citation:

Topping, M., Douglas, J., & Winkler, D. (2021). General considerations for conducting online qualitative research and practice implications for interviewing people with acquired brain injury. International Journal of Qualitative Methods.

Narrative storytelling as both an advocacy tool and a therapeutic process

Tags: rehabilitation

Description:

This paper focuses upon the experiences of eight adults with acquired brain injury who had participated in storytelling workshops facilitated by an advocacy organization. This study contributes to an emerging area of research and practice supporting positive identity growth following brain injury. The findings present substantial implications for goal setting and meaningful productive engagement in brain injury rehabilitation.

Citation:

D’Cruz, K., Douglas, K., & Serry, T. (2020). Narrative storytelling as both an advocacy tool and a therapeutic process. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation.

Personal narrative approaches in rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: A synthesis of qualitative research

Tags: rehabilitation

Description:

The aim of this review is to identify published evidence on the use of personal narrative approaches in rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury and to synthesise the findings across this literature.

Citation:

D’Cruz, K., Douglas, K., & Serry, T. (2019). Personal narrative approaches in rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: A synthesis of qualitative research. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation.

Long-term outcomes following traumatic brain injury

Tags: rehabilitation

Description:

This paper aims to investigate care needs, functional outcome, role participation and community integration approximately nine years following severe brain injury. It also aims to gain an understanding of the ongoing cost of care and support needs for this group.

Citation:

Sloan, S., Winkler, D., and Anson, K. (2007). Long-term outcomes following traumatic brain injury. Brain Impairment