Couples experiences after a traumatic brain injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Couples’ experiences following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), 12 to 24 months after discharge from inpatient care
IRAS ID
217488
Contact name
Nicole Chadwick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 3 days
Research summary
Why?\nA head injury can not only directly influence an individual, but may also have wider and profound consequences for those around them. Partners are reported to experience high stress levels, and divorce rates are reported to be as high as 54%. Few studies have explored factors that influence couples’ relationships from both perspectives after a head injury and little is known about the experiences of individuals and their partners. This is important as these factors may influence an individual’s recovery.\n\nWhat?\nThe current study will aim to look at couples’ experiences after a head injury.\n\nWho?\nThe study will include individuals with head injuries and their partners who have been discharged from inpatient care 12 to 24 months’ earlier. This would comprise people who are able to understand the study and give informed consent to participate. \n\nWhere?\nPeople will be identified and first approached by clinicians (including responsible consultants and neuropsychologists) using the neuropsychology database. If they are interested in the study, they will discuss the study further with the researcher. If they are suitable and wish to take part, they will be invited to attend an interview held at a clinic at a day and time that suits them.\n\nHow?\nThe interviews will be held on an individual basis and will last 45 to 90 minutes. All interviews will be recorded with consent and after the interview, these will be transcribed and respondent validation will be collected (i.e. participant’s feedback and further reflections from the transcription/interview).\n\nThe researcher will use the information collected to look for themes and patterns using a method called Framework Analysis. Final feedback about the study findings will be offered to the individuals.\n\nThis project aims to be ready for thesis submission in May 2018.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
17/NS/0091
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion