Supporting self-continuity during the hospital to community transition after acquired brain injury: A qualitative study of priorities, expectations and experiences of rehabilitation

Rachel Brough; Christy Hogan; Jessie Mitchell; Timothy Geraghty; Kerrin Watter; Kylie Ferguson; Emily Bray; Rachel Jones; Melissa Kendall; Mandy Neilson; Delena Amsters; Benjamin Turner; Tamara Ownsworth

doi:10.1080/09602011.2025.2558927

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Supporting self-continuity during the hospital to community transition after acquired brain injury: A qualitative study of priorities, expectations and experiences of rehabilitation

Journal article

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Supporting self-continuity during the hospital to community transition after acquired brain injury: A qualitative study of priorities, expectations and experiences of rehabilitation

Rachel Brough, Christy Hogan, Jessie Mitchell, Timothy Geraghty, Kerrin Watter, Kylie Ferguson, Emily Bray, Rachel Jones, Melissa Kendall, Mandy Neilson, …

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Vol.36(5), pp.924-952

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2025.2558927

PMID: 40998299

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Abstract

transition to community

rehabilitation

Brain injury

occupational engagement

self-identity

Rehabilitation during community integration after acquired brain injury (ABI) focuses on supporting individuals to make sense of and manage injury-related changes in the context of occupational engagement. To improve understanding of the role of rehabilitation in facilitating early adjustment to ABI, the study aimed to understand individuals’ rehabilitation priorities and expectations at hospital discharge and experiences at 3-months post-discharge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults with ABI at discharge (n = 28) and 3-months post-discharge (n = 24) from a brain injury rehabilitation unit in Queensland, Australia. Data were thematically analysed using the Framework Method. Analysis identified an overarching theme of “Supporting self-continuity,” comprising three interrelated themes. “Life’s getting back on track” represented individuals’ priority to access ongoing contextualized rehabilitation, enabling resumption of valued activities and roles. “My life on pause” reflected uncertainty about post-discharge processes for resuming occupations and feeling restricted by limitations and support gaps. “Collaborative fit: Matching my needs″, depicting the alignment between individual’s mindset and expectations of life after ABI and personalization of rehabilitation services, and was central to self-continuity. Following discharge, collaborative fit between people with ABI and support systems is central to supporting self-continuity through enabling engagement in activities and roles important to self-identity.

Details

Title: Supporting self-continuity during the hospital to community transition after acquired brain injury: A qualitative study of priorities, expectations and experiences of rehabilitation
Authors: Rachel Brough - Griffith University
Christy Hogan (Corresponding Author) - Griffith University
Jessie Mitchell - Griffith University
Timothy Geraghty - Griffith University
Kerrin Watter - Griffith University
Kylie Ferguson - Griffith University
Emily Bray - Griffith University
Rachel Jones - Griffith University
Melissa Kendall - Griffith University
Mandy Neilson - Metro South Health
Delena Amsters - Griffith University
Benjamin Turner - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Tamara Ownsworth - Griffith University
Publication details: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Vol.36(5), pp.924-952
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2025.2558927
ISSN: 1464-0694
PMID: 40998299
Copyright note: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Grant note: This research project was funded by The Hopkins Centre – a joint initiative of Department of Rehabilitation, Metro South Health and Griffith University. The National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ) Agency provided funding to The Hopkins Centre to support and conduct research activities that aim to improve the health and quality of life outcomes for NIISQ participants. The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) has also provided funding to The Hopkins Centre to support and conduct research activities that aim to improve the treatment and rehabilitation of people injured in motor vehicle crashes.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991166402902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Neurosciences; Psychology

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