An exploration of influences on recovery from acquired brain injuries

Service user involvement is under-developed with people who experience acquired brain injuries (ABI). Systemic barriers and prejudices may have contributed to this.

This study explored the experiences of ten individuals who experienced an ABI and attended a service user involvement group aimed at improving organisational design and governance. Their experiences were explored in the context of their personal recovery from ABI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

The results suggested that service user involvement was predominantly a positive experience. SUI enabled participants to re-connect with pre-ABI life. It enhanced their agency in their recovery via empowerment. It also provided opportunities for developing valued peer relationships. However, not all participants experienced each of these effects, which highlighted barriers to meaningful involvement. Increased awareness of these experiences could support health care professionals to initiate opportunities for meaningful SUI that may enhance services delivered.