| Poster | Poster Session 05 Program Schedule
02/15/2024
02:30 pm - 03:45 pm
Room: Majestic Complex (Posters 61-120)
Poster Session 05: Neuropsychiatry | Addiction/Dependence | Stress/Coping | Emotional/Social Processes
Final Abstract #100
Comprehensive feedback on user experiences with Brain Injury Identification Cards
Sarah Bannon, Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Natalia Bernal, Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Holly Carrington, Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Annell Ovalles, Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Eric Watson, Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
Category: Acquired Brain Injury (TBI/Cerebrovascular Injury and Disease - Adult)
Keyword 1: traumatic brain injury
Keyword 2: stroke
Keyword 3: quality of life
Objective:
Brain injuries are common health concerns with lifelong consequences that often include changes in identity, long-term disability, relationships, and reduced participation in daily activities. Changes in policy and other community- and society-level interventions are cited by experts as a critical path to reducing the impact of brain injury on impacted individuals, though such approaches have been limited in scope. The present study sought to comprehensively characterize the impact of one such initiative—Brain Injury Identification Cards—among survivors using qualitative focus groups to further refine the resource.
Participants and Methods:
In this cross-sectional qualitative focus group study we recruited 16 individuals with a history of brain injury via e-mail listservs of individuals who registered for a Brain Injury Identification Card. We used rapid data analysis with a hybrid of deductive and inductive analytic strategies to identify themes within a-priori domains.
Results:
We extracted themes within 4 domains: 1) process and reasons for obtaining cards; 2) overall impressions of the cards; 3) uses of the cards and; 4) feedback and proposed changes. Specifically, participants found the process of obtaining cards easy, particularly when utilizing community resources such as peers, support groups, organizations, and personal contacts. They believed that these cards could enhance safety, facilitate communication about brain injury and symptoms, and increase self-advocacy. The cards were perceived as legitimate and contained useful information for discussing brain injury symptoms. However, some concerns were raised about disclosing brain injury history and potential legal or policy implications of using the cards. Participants reported using the cards to effectively communicate their brain injury symptoms and needs, leading to an increased sense of safety in various contexts, including legal, medical, and driving situations. The feedback also highlighted the need for more personalized cards, including specific symptoms, contact information, and guidance on individual needs. Additionally, participants suggested integrating the cards into legal, public policy, and medical systems and expressed a preference for technological enhancements.
Conclusions:
We identified findings that illustrate the utility of Brain Injury Identification Cards for improving survivors’ sense of safety, self-advocacy, and ability to participate in daily activities. Though more research is needed, our study provides preliminary evidence that supports the use of Brain Injury Identification Cards as a mechanism for addressing ongoing challenges and improving adjustment to brain injury.
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