Participants' perspectives of feasibility of a novel group treatment for people with cognitive communication difficulties following acquired brain injury

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2021-01, Vol.43 (2), p.171-180
• Main Authors: Behn, Nicholas, Marshall, Jane, Togher, Leanne, Cruice, Madeline
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acceptability; brain injury; Cognitive-communication; feasibility; group; qualitative research
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1618929

Purpose: To determine whether treatment was acceptable to participants and perceived as beneficial by exploring the experiences of people with cognitive communication difficulties following acquired brain injury who participated in a novel, group, communication, project-based treatment. The purpose of the treatment was to improve participants' communication skills and quality of life, by focussing group activity towards the production of a project and by incorporating individualised communication goals into group sessions. Methods: Twenty-one people with acquired brain injury recruited from community settings participated in project-based treatment, which comprised one individual and nine group sessions (of 2-3 people) over six weeks. Structured interviews were conducted post-treatment as part of a broader assessment battery. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis to identify codes, categories, and themes. Results: Themes identified from the analysis centred around the treatment experience (general experience; group experience; project experience; working on goals) and benefit of treatment (communicative benefit; other benefits; emotional effects; meeting others; something to do). These themes were consistent with the treatment being perceived as acceptable and having initial efficacy for the participant group. Conclusion: The qualitative data presented here provide positive feasibility findings (acceptability and initial efficacy) of project-based treatment for people with acquired brain injury. The results highlight the value of incorporating participants' views in assessing feasibility in developing novel interventions. Implications for rehabilitation Inviting people (with cognitive communication difficulties following acquired brain injury) to feedback on their treatment experience provides valuable information that can confirm treatment choice and content or inform adjustments to future treatment. Group treatment with a meaningful and motivating focus, and individualised communication goals, seem to promote positive change in communication, emotional state, cognition, self-awareness, and social interaction. This study highlights the value of individuals' perspectives in evaluating feasibility of a novel intervention.