A retrospective investigation of occupational therapy services received following a traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative study is to gain insight on the continuum of occupational therapy services provided for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to gather inputs from such individuals' caregivers regarding their perspectives on the lived experience of TBI in relationship to received occupational therapy services. Participants answered semi-structured interview questions to describe each stage of occupational therapy along the continuum of care. The themes that emerged were related to the roles that caregivers assumed at each stage of recovery and their perspectives on services provided by occupational therapists. Occupational therapy was viewed as an important part of rehabilitation along the continuum of care, but there were challenges with receiving consistent and appropriate care, especially with the transition to home care. Opportunities for improving the flow of transition and general provision of care were discussed.