Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of health care practitioners
working with Aboriginal clients recovering from acquired brain injury (ABI).
RESEARCH DESIGN: Participatory research design using qualitative methods.
METHODS: Fourteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The
Framework Method of analysis was used to uncover emerging themes. FINDINGS: Five
main categories emerged: practitioners' experience with brain injury, practitioners' experience with Aboriginal clients, specialized needs of Aboriginal clients recovering from brain injury, culturally sensitive care and
traditional healing methods. These categories were then further divided into
emergent themes and sub-themes where applicable, with particular emphasis on the
specialized needs of Aboriginal clients. DISCUSSION: Each emergent theme
highlighted key challenges experienced by Aboriginal peoples recovering from ABI.
A key challenge was that protocols for rehabilitation and discharge planning are
often lacking for clients living on reserves or in remote communities. Other
challenges included lack of social support; difficulty of travel and
socio-cultural factors associated with post-acute care; and concurrent disorders.
CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that developing reasonable protocols for discharge
planning of Aboriginal clients living on reserves and/or remote communities
should be considered a priority.

Langue : ANGLAIS