Centre for Applied Research on Social Sciences and Law

“Your brain can’t wait”

perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury and their parents on physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase

Article

Purpose: Physical interventions during subacute rehabilitation have potential to improve functional recovery. This study explored the perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their parents with respect to physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase. Methods: Thirteen children and adolescents with ABI and their parents were included and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: Six themes were identified: 1) beliefs of physical rehabilitation, 2) content of physical rehabilitation, 3) tailored care, 4) impact of context, 5) communication and 6) transition. The importance of intensive physical practice was widely supported. The positive can-do mentality was emphasised to create an atmosphere of hope, meaning that every effort would be made to achieve maximum recovery. Intensive involvement of parents is considered essential during subacute rehabilitation including an open and mutual dialogue about the focus of rehabilitation, therapy goals and future participation in their own environment. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for an intensive rehabilitation approach, tailored to the individual’s needs. The perspectives of children and adolescents and their parents in our study contribute to a better understanding of factors that are important for optimal recovery through physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase.

Reference Gmelig Meyling, C., Verschuren, O., Rentinck, I. C. M., van Driel, D., te Slaa, E., Engelbert, R. H., & Gorter, J. W. (2023). “Your brain can’t wait”: perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury and their parents on physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase. Disability and Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2275742
Published by  Urban Vitality 1 November 2023

Publication date

Nov 2023

Author(s)

Christiaan Gmelig Meyling
Olaf Verschuren
Ingrid C.M. Rentinck
Dimara van Driel
Esmée te Slaa
Jan Willem Gorter

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