The information gap for children and young people with acquired brain injury

Abstract

© 2019 The Author(s). Statement of Purpose This study explored the information requirements of children/youth with an acquired brain injury. Methods An on-line survey (n=16), focus group (n=5) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (n=3) elicited the views of 24 children/youth with ABI. A priori thematic coding was used to analyse the data. Results Five themes emerged: stage and age, school, friendship and peers, delivery methods and information content. The desired information changes over time depending on age and time since injury. Children/youth want their friends and teachers to access information on brain injury. Children/youth want information delivered through a range of channels, including videos (featuring genuine case studies), apps and board games. Children/youth wanted information specific to their injury, information on brain injury more generally, and practical strategies for overcoming problems. Conclusions Children/youth with ABI were able to express views about their information needs, which change over time and include a range of channels.