Research Article

Framework for describing community integration for people with acquired brain injury

  1. Shahriar Parvaneh PhD, MSc, BSc (OT) Associate Researcher at Curtin University; Assistant Professor at University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation; Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of British Columbia1,2,3,*,
  2. Errol Cocks PhD, MPsych Professor, Director of Centre for Research into Disability and Society, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute1

Article first published online: 13 MAR 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2012.01001.x

Issue

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Volume 59, Issue 2, pages 131–137, April 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Parvaneh, S. and Cocks, E. (2012), Framework for describing community integration for people with acquired brain injury. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 59: 131–137. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2012.01001.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Centre for Research into Disability and Society, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

  2. 2

    Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Tehran, Iran

  3. 3

    Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

*Correspondence: Shahriar Parvaneh, School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Centre for Research into Disability and Society, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia. Email: sh.parvaneh@gmail.com

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 MAR 2012
  2. Article first published online: 13 MAR 2012
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 15 DEC 2011

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Keywords:

  • brain injury;
  • Delphi technique;
  • qualitative research;
  • rehabilitation service

Background/aim

Community integration is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation of adults with acquired brain injury which has a high incidence in the Australian population. The literature shows a need for a more comprehensive framework for community integration. This study developed a descriptive community integration framework drawn from views of five stakeholder groups and was compared with four similar frameworks.

Methods

Thirty-seven experts in acquired brain injury, including practitioners, researchers, policy makers, people with acquired brain injury and family members participated. Using a Delphi method, an iterative process of surveys, interviews, and focus groups sought their views on community integration. Responses were analysed in three stages systematically to reduce a large quantity of raw data into a core set of descriptive themes. A final member checking process rated participants’ agreement with the importance of each theme.

Results

Seven themes were identified and described: Relationships, Community Access, Acceptance, Occupation, Being at Home, Picking up Life Again, and Heightened Risks and Vulnerability. Themes were congruent with elements of the frameworks from the literature.

Conclusions

Rich data came from the diverse stakeholders in the participant groups. Two unique themes reflected the importance of re-integration and recovering important aspects of previous lives, and identifying risks and vulnerabilities and providing safeguards. The framework reflected emphases that may be specific to acquired brain injury. It can be used as a basis for development of community integration programmes and outcome measures.

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