Exploring the needs of family caregivers: preliminary findings

Background: Family caregivers play an important role at home during the rehabilitation phase of severe traumatic brain injury survivor. Understand the survivor’s needs was the most crucial thing to focus on. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs of family caregivers towards the care of sTBI survivor at home. Methods: A purposive sampling of ten Malaysian family caregivers from the adult intensive care unit was selected. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide which has helped the participants in providing their responses. An open, axial and selective coding was conducted to analyse the data. The qualitative data were analysed by using NVIVO analysis software. Results: Two significant themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Support needed by family caregivers, and (b) the information needed. Data shows that family caregivers certainly need support from the various parties and the participants are lack of information on specific care for the severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) survivors. Conclusions: Family caregivers definitely require support and seek for more useful information to provide a good care to their loved one. Being aware of the family caregiver's needs will enable them to be better prepared and able to provide an improved customized care