Experiences of family of individuals in a locked in, minimally conscious state, or vegetative state with the health care system
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Journal
Brain Injury
Volume
35
Issue
1
First Page
8
Last Page
14
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1080/02699052.2020.1858494
Abstract
Primary Objective: To understand the experiences of family members of individuals in a locked-in state (LIS), minimally conscious state (MCS), or vegetative state (VS) with the health-care system when caring for their family member. Research Design: The study adopted a qualitative descriptive approach drawing on central tenets of constructivist grounded theory described by Charmaz. Our analysis drew on emphasizing connections between theory, concepts, and empirical data using a constant comparative method. Methods and Procedures: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with family members of individuals in a LIS, MCS, or VS. Participants were recruited between June 2014 and December 2016. Main Outcomes and Results: 22 interviews were conducted, which comprised interviews with 12 family members. The following themes were identified: care coordination challenges, lack of flexibility in health-care policies, and inappropriate care settings. Conclusions: Family members of individuals in a LIS, MCS, or VS described playing a significant role in the lives of their family member. Based on the results of this study, flexibility in health-care policies and/or programming should be adopted in the face of the challenges identified. Implementation of interventions to support caregivers and transitions is increasingly important.