Patient perceptions of participation in group-based rehabilitation in an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation setting

Objectives

The use of groups is common in healthcare. There is a paucity of research which captures patient experiences of group participation. The aims of this study were to explore the perceptions and experiences of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) about their participation in inpatient occupational therapy rehabilitation groups.

Method

A phenomenological approach guided the study. Patients with a TBI who were participating in an inpatient occupational therapy group program were recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Fifteen participants consented to the study. Three themes emerged from the data; 1) feeling normal, comfortable and connected; 2) learning by doing, seeing and sharing and; 3) practicalities of groups. Participants highlighted that groups facilitated opportunities to practice skills and prepared them for the real world. Opportunities for interaction and support were also emphasised as positive by participants.

Conclusion

Perceptions of patients about participation in groups were generally positive, and as such a consumer-focused approach to healthcare would support the use of occupational therapy groups in TBI rehabilitation.

Practice implications

Recommendations from the perspectives of patients include consideration of the selection of group participants, and meeting individual needs and goals within a group setting.