Acquired Brain Injury, Occupation and Recovery (ABIOAR) Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Ethnographic Study of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) - Meaningful Occupation and Recovery in the Acute setting
IRAS ID
309754
Contact name
Katy Cottrell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, days
Research summary
This research aims to address the question; ‘How does hospital culture influence meaningful occupation and recovery for acquired brain injury survivors?’
Early brain recovery processes are strongest when linked to meaningful occupations in an enriched environment. Occupation refers to meaningful, purposeful and often pleasurable activities that people need or want to do for quality of life and to improve health. Engagement in occupations has been linked to improved health yet the literature tells us patients spend most of their time alone, inactive and bored with little social interaction. There is a lack of research exploring the culture of acute hospital settings from the perspective of brain injury survivors. The study aims to examine the UK hospital culture using ethnography to scrutinise behaviour, interaction, and communication and how this influences the experience of meaningful occupation.
Patients can participate if they have a diagnosis of an acquired brain injury (any damage to the brain sustained after birth), are over 18, and admitted to the hospital wards. Significant others of 6 participants will also be asked to consent to interview.
Following consent, participants will be observed on the ward over four 6 hour sessions at different times. The researcher will assist with certain routines, ask questions about daily experiences, and observe what is seen and heard on the ward, what activities are carried out and who is interacting with the participant. Documents and physical environment artefacts (medical notes, personal effects and belongings, occupational tools and possessions) will be recorded. The participant and their significant other will be asked to attend an interview with the researcher in the hospital and a follow-up interview three months after discharge. This study aims to inform recovery pathways for brain injury survivors currently spending weeks in acute hospital settings.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
22/WA/0121
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion