Caring for Families of Patients With Acquired Brain Injury Early During Hospitalization: A Feasibility Study of the SAFIR© Intervention

J Fam Nurs. 2024 Aug;30(3):255-266. doi: 10.1177/10748407241270034.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a complex family nursing intervention (SAFIR©) designed to support families of patients with acquired brain injuries during the early phase of hospitalization, using a one-group pre- and post-test design with a one-month follow-up. Family members participated in four family meetings. Quantitative data were collected using an intervention protocol checklist and questionnaires. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, written open-ended questions, and note-taking. Feasibility outcomes revealed a family recruitment rate of 15.4% and a retention rate of 100%. Protocol adherence ranged from 94% in Phase 1 to 78% in Phase 3. Our results indicated that the intervention was meaningful and suitable for family members (n=7), healthcare provider (n=1), and nursing managers (n=6). From a sustainability perspective, our findings suggest the need to formally involve the entire inter-professional team in the intervention. Further evaluation of the intervention is warranted through a large-scale experimental.

Keywords: acquired brain injury; acute care; early intervention; family nursing intervention; feasibility study.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries* / nursing
  • Family Nursing / methods
  • Family Nursing / standards
  • Family* / psychology
  • Feasibility Studies*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Surveys and Questionnaires