| Research TBI Model Systems |
| Family Needs and Quality of Life Four Years after Injury |
| The Question: What are the needs and life quality reported by family members four years after their loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury? Past Studies show that individuals with severe traumatic brain injury can experience long lasting or permanent problems. These individuals can require long-term help from their family members. The impact of brain injury on family members can be stressful and affect their quality of life. Studies about family member needs have been limited to the first two years following the injury. Research is lacking about the long-term needs and quality of life of family members. This study included 57 family caregivers in Virginia. The individuals had traumatic brain injuries for at least four years. The researchers asked the caregivers to rate how satisfied they were with their lives before and after the injury. The family caregivers also completed the Family Needs Questionnaire (FNQ). The FNQ is an evaluation that provides information about a family member’s needs after traumatic brain injury. The FNQ identifies the importance of various needs to a family member and the degree to which the needs are been met. Most of the family members stated that they were satisfied with their lives before the injury. Although some family members reported that they were still satisfied with their lives after the injury, many of them reported less life satisfaction. The family members reported that they had a good understanding of the health care information related to their loved ones. They also indicated that they felt involved with the care plans for the individuals. The family members report that they did not have enough help from their own family members or that they had time to take good care of themselves. The family members also reported unmet needs in the area of professional support. They did not feel that the professionals treating their loved ones provided them with enough information. Who May Be Affected By These Findings: Individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their family caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers. Caveats: This study is limited because it used a small number of participants. A similar study that used a larger number of participants would provide information that could be generalizable to all individuals with traumatic brain injury. Bottom Line: The participants in this study reported a decrease in life satisfaction after four years from the injury date. The researchers found that family needs change over time. For instance, past studies have found that families initially need health care information. This study shows that after four years, the need for health care information is met, but the need for professional support is unmet. Find This Study: Kolakowsky-Hayner, S. A., Miner, K. D., & Kreutzer, J. S. (2001). Long-term life quality and family needs after traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 16, 374-385. |
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