Article

The ability to drive safely is commonly affected by traumatic brain
injury (TBI). Driving is a role and activity that is highly valued and also
associated with successful community reintegration after TBI. Relatively little
is understood about the processes of interruption to driving and potential return
to driving that can be experienced by people with TBI and their family members
(FMs). Exploring the way in which driving interruption, return to driving and
permanent cessation of driving happen for people with TBI, their FMs and health
professionals (HPs) who work with them can enable a fuller understanding of the
experiences and needs and enhance the rehabilitation approaches in this
situation. METHOD: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to explore
the experience with the aim of improving services for people with TBI.
Semi-structured interviews about driving and driving cessation were conducted
with 15 people with TBI, 10 FMs and 10 HPs who had experience in driving and
driving cessation issues. RESULTS: The findings reveal experiences of the process
of driving and driving cessation contextualised within experiences of the
accident and treatment process. Participants identified key times of need in
relation to driving: being told about driving restrictions, understanding driving
restrictions, the 'on hold' period, and returning to driving. CONCLUSIONS: The
processes surrounding driving and driving cessation after TBI are complex.
Informational, support and practical needs differ at the different times. There
are key times where people may need further support to improve rehabilitation
outcomes. Rehabilitation approaches may particularly need to provide clear,
consistent information about driving restrictions, and the process required for
returning to driving. While recovery time appears necessary for allowing a safe
return to driving, active support for continued involvement in the community
using alternative transport may reduce the frustration and disengagement
experienced by people in the 'on hold' period.

Langue : ANGLAIS