Nurses’ contribution to relatives’ involvement in neurorehabilitation: Facilitators and barriers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify possible facilitators and barriers that differently positioned relatives are facing when being actively involved in the rehabilitation process of patients with traumatic brain injury. Design: A qualitative secondary analysis of data from a qualitative study. Methods: Data comprised participant observations and semi-structured interviews with relatives of patients with traumatic brain injury. Data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis. Results: Three exemplary cases illustrate how relatives’ differential and unequal resources function as facilitators and barriers. Facilitators for involvement are as follows: participating in nursing care situations, the possibility for being present during hospitalization, the relationship with the providers, experience with illness, dedication and proactivity. Contrary, being reactive, non-participating in nursing care situations, unable to express own wants and needs, and minimal flexibility from workplace are barriers to involvement.