The 4th International Conference on Nursing

Author :

Hamidah Othman, Salizar Mohamed Ludin

Affiliation :

Critical Care Department, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia

Abstract :

Introduction Family caregivers play an important role at home during the rehabilitation phase of severe traumatic brain injury survivor. Understand the survivor’s needs was the most crucial thing to focus on. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs of family caregivers towards the care of severe traumatic brain injury survivor at home. The qualitative design was used in this study. Methods A grounded theory, research design by Strauss and Corbin (1990, 1998) were used in this study. The study was done at a family caregiver home. A purposive sampling of ten Malaysian family caregivers from the adult intensive care unit was selected. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide which has helped the participants in providing their responses. An open, axial and selective coding was conducted to analyse the data. All the qualitative data were analysed by using NVIVO analysis software. Results Two significant themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Support needed by family caregivers, and (b) the information needed. Data shows that family caregivers certainly need support from the various parties and the participants are lack of information on specific care for the severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) survivors. Conclusion Family caregivers definitely require full support and seek for more useful information to provide a good care to their loved one. Being aware of the family caregiver's needs will enable them to be better prepared and able to provide an improved customized care.

Keywords :

Traumatic Brain Injury; Family Needs; Rehabilitation; Family Care; Home-Based Care