Interaction with medical professionals following traumatic brain and spinal cord injury: relatives' reports

Abstract

When a family experiences the stress of injury or illness to a member, the system moves into a crisis.'In such situations. families are vulnerable and look for help particularly from health- care providers who are seen as a source of assistance and information. Medical professionals can reduce ambiguity and help the family by giving information about the individual's condition, the treatment and the prognosis.l However, when a severe and handicapping injury occurs, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI), recurrent comments in the literature indicate that the family and their need for continuing information is often ignored.