A blend of sentinel events and personal and environmental factors may impact the perceived success of transition from hospital to home in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and their families, a recent study finds. The study reportedly encompassed a prospective longitudinal cohort design with data collection at discharge and follow-up at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months following hospital discharge.

Researchers report that the study encompassed 127 TBI patients discharged to the community and 83 significant others. The results suggest that greater perceived success of transition for TBI patients was linked to higher levels of health-related quality of life, level of community integration, and more severe injury. The results note that among survivors, sentinel events including returning to work, independent community access, and changing living situation were also linked to greater perceived success. Researchers say financial strain and difficulty accessing therapy services resulted in less success.

According to the study, higher stress levels among patients’ significant others and lower levels of community integration and changes in the living situation of the TBI patient also resulted in lower ratings of transition success.

Researchers conclude that the combination of these elements influences the perceptions of TBI patients and their families regarding the success of the transition from hospital to home.

Source: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation