Article

Although research shows that caring for a family member with chronic disease or
disability can cause significant distress for caregivers, it also shows that
families that function well and adequately support patients can improve the
quality of life and health outcomes for their ill or disabled family member.
Currently, little knowledge exists about how families function and cope after a
loved one has sustained polytrauma, the multiple traumatic injuries that often
include traumatic brain injury (TBI). We summarize the polytrauma and TBI
research about family needs during rehabilitation and recovery, describe current
efforts to improve family-centered care, and detail approaches for understanding
family resilience and the long-term consequences of injuries on families. We
conclude with recommendations for future research in inpatient and outpatient
settings where evidence has been limited for families of patients with TBI and is
nonexistent for families of patients with polytrauma. Understanding many of these
issues will help to better inform families of policies for benefits and resources
and help researchers and clinicians plan for appropriate interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS