Returning to education after childhood acquired brain injury: Learning from lived parental experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Returning to education (RtE) after an acquired brain injury (ABI) can be stressful for children/young people (CYP) and families. While much can be done to support RtE, there has been limited exploration of the lived experience of parents/carers about what can both help and hinder the process. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to understand more about RtE from parents’ perspectives to inform best practice and facilitate improvements in service delivery. METHODS: A service evaluation explored parent/carer views about the RtE process and the support received from healthcare professionals at a regional centre in the UK. Questionnaires (n = 59) were sent to parents of patients treated for an ABI in the last two years. RESULTS: 31 parents (response rate = 51%) completed the survey. Results highlight the many challenges of RtE. Thematic analysis of responses revealed six key themes: Parental mindset and growth; What do they need now?; Specialist support and information; Talk and share; Challenges of new and hidden needs; and Don’t forget them! CONCLUSION: Parents offer crucial insight into the challenges of the RtE process. Their feedback highlights important factors for service development and reminds professionals of the key components of an effective return.