Health status, difficulties, and desired health information and services for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers: A qualitative investigation

Koehmstedt, C., Lydick, S. E., Patel, D., Cai, X., Garfinkel, S., & Weinstein, A. A. (2018). Health status, difficulties, and desired health information and services for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers: A qualitative investigation. PLoS ONE, 13(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203804

This study aimed to understand the needs of veterans who, during active duty service, sustained an impact-based traumatic brain injury (TBI; i.e., a TBI resulting from an external assault, motor vehicle accident, fall, or explosive blast). Individuals with TBI can experience a wide variety of symptoms (e.g., seizures, migraines, memory problems, aggression) and, therefore, often have caregivers that help them with the long-term process of healing and adapting. Phone interviews were conducted with 12 veterans and 10 caregivers of veterans; none of whom were related to one another. All participants discussed their experiences with TBI generally. More specifically, their experiences with health services for TBI as well as suggestions for how to improve these services.

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