COMMunication at discharge post Acquired Brain Injury (COMMS – ABI)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Communication between families and health care professionals in the preparation for discharge of adults post acquired brain injury – A mixed methods case study
IRAS ID
330715
Contact name
Charlie Whiffin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Derby
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a rapidly growing public health concern, with nearly 1000 hospital admissions each day in the UK. Despite extensive planning by multidisciplinary teams, it is reported that families of patients with an ABI feel unprepared for discharge. Effective communication at discharge is known to significantly improve both patient and family outcomes, however there is little research on communication at discharge after ABI. This study intends to investigate the discharge experience for family members through multiple methods using observations, interviews, and a survey to identify good practice and areas for improvement. Observations will take place at Nottingham University Hospital Neurosurgery ward, lasting for approximately 3 months. The researcher will observe health care professionals (HCPs) and family members (FMs) of patients, both of which will be able to opt out of observations if they wish. Afterwards, the researcher will invite HCPs and FMs to interviews to discuss the communication experience during discharge. Interviews are voluntary and will last approximately 1 hour and will be held at the hospital for HCPs and a safe place of the FMs choosing for FMs. Findings from observations and interviews will inform a survey for HCPs compiled of psychological measures to help evaluate and assess aspects that impact effective communication. HCPs will be invited to complete the survey by email which will provide a link to the complete it online. The findings of this study will help the researcher understand the discharge experience and make recommendations to communication practices that may help improve the experience and outcomes for FMs.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
23/WA/0286
Date of REC Opinion
3 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion