Ongoing Challenges Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among People With Brain Injury

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated social isolation among people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet, little is known about how changes in personal factors, environmental factors, or the characteristics of activities affected social participation. We examined experiences with social isolation and barriers to social participation using the person–environment–occupation–performance model as a framework. Twelve adults with TBI participated in a series of three focus groups. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. We identified two primary themes with sub-themes: (1) social isolation experiences: (1a) emotional impact and (1b) managing personal risk; and (2) greater barriers but a lack of strategies to address them: (2a) access and opportunities and (2b) social and societal factors. New environmental barriers and task demands affected occupational performance, and participants identified few successful strategies to overcome these barriers. Occupational therapy can develop new strategies to re-balance the person–environment fit and enhance social participation.