Facilitators and barriers to community reintegration following pediatric acquired brain injury from the perspective of parents and caregivers

Brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in children in the United States, but the long-term impacts on community reintegration following a pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) have been under-researched. It can be difficult for a family to reintegrate into the community and become productive members of society as well as form meaningful social relationships following a pediatric ABI. Community reintegration is an important aspect of the healing process following an ABI as it is related to higher quality of life in the child who sustained the brain injury and their family. This research was conducted to identify the facilitators and barriers children and families experience with community reintegration following a moderate to severe pediatric acquired brain injury 1 or more years after the child's discharge from the hospital. Eight parents and caregivers from six families were interviewed using a semistructured interview process. Interviews were then transcribed verbatim and coded using a qualitative, iterative coding process based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory of human development to identify themes. Results indicated there was a lack of communication and resources within and across system levels, which created difficulties for parents and caregivers as they attempted to reintegrate into the community following discharge from the hospital for their child's pediatric ABI. This research can be used to support children and their families as they reintegrate into the community. Implications for improved support iv systems for families with a child with a pediatric ABI are discussed to show the importance of this research for this population.