Explain the 'unexplainable': A qualitative enquiry of the representations of the caregivers of brain-injured people. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huet, Magali; Dany, Lionel; Apostolidis, Thémistoklis
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 23:Number 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1050
• Page End: 1062
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: caregivers -- disability -- qualitative research -- social representations -- traumatic brain injury; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105316642834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

The aim of our research is to highlight the role of social representations of the traumatic brain-injured person in the adjustments made by caregivers in building and maintaining quality of care. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with nursing assistants and medico-psychological assistants, working in a long-term care facility. The interviews were the subject of a thematic content analysis. The analysis shows the role of representations of the traumatic brain-injured person in the way caregivers explain behaviours and situations and in the orientation of their professional practices. In explaining the inexplicable, caregivers establish a more human relationship through individualized care.