The pervasive and unyielding impacts of cognitive‐communication changes following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kelly Crystal , Cornwell Petrea , Hewetson Ronelle , Copley Anna 
Published: July 2023

Background

Cognitive‐communication disorders (CCDs) are common in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. Despite this, there has been limited research that explores the long‐term impacts of reduced cognitive‐communication functioning on daily life for this population.

Aims

To identify the long‐term impacts of cognitive‐communication impairment as reported by adults with TBI and their significant others.

Methods & Procedures

A qualitative descriptive approach grounded in phenomenology was used. Semi‐structured, one‐on‐one interviews were conducted with adults with CCDs following TBI (n = 16) and their significant others (n = 12) to explore their lived experiences.

Outcomes & Results

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed an overarching theme of ‘The pervasive and unyielding impacts of cognitive‐communication changes on daily life following TBI’. Within this overarching theme, three subthemes were identified: (1) self‐awareness of communication changes; (2) fatigue; and (3) self‐identity and life roles.

Conclusion & Implications

The findings from this study highlight the long‐term negative impacts of reduced cognitive‐communication functioning on daily life. Health professionals supporting this population should consider ways to reduce the significant impact CCDs have on the lives of adults following TBI and their significant others. In addition, the findings highlight the importance of long‐term rehabilitation services following TBI, with further research needed that explores how these services can be optimised.

What this paper adds

What is already known on this subject

Cognitive‐communication disorders (CCDs) affect the majority of adults who experience moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and encompass any component of communication that is affected by cognition. The hallmark characteristic of CCDs are breakdowns that affect social communication skills as well as cognitive‐linguistic deficits. Combined, these can have dramatic implications for a person's quality of life, their level of independence, employment opportunities and social participation. There has been limited research to date that explores the long‐term impacts of CCDs on the lives of adults following TBI. Further research that explores these impacts is needed to improve the support services and rehabilitation models of care available for this population.

What this study adds

The overarching theme was ‘The pervasive and unyielding impacts of communication changes on daily life following TBI’ with subthemes including changed communication, self‐awareness of communication changes, fatigue and self‐identity and life roles. The findings from this study highlight the long‐term negative impacts of reduced cognitive‐communication functioning on everyday functioning and quality of life as well as the importance of long‐term rehabilitation services following TBI.

What are the clinical implications of this work?

Speech‐language therapists and other health professionals working with this clinical population should consider how to address the significant and long‐lasting impacts of CCDs. Due to the complex nature of the barriers experienced by this clinical population, an interdisciplinary targeted approach is advised wherever possible when providing rehabilitation services.