Meta-synthesis of rehabilitation experiences and needs of adolescent patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>This paper aims to systematically evaluate and integrate qualitative research on the experiences and needs of adolescent patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) during rehabilitation and to provide references for rehabilitation care strategies for such patients.<h4>Methods</h4>PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, and VIP Database were searched for relevant qualitative studies until September 15, 2024.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 863 documents were found, and after screening, eight documents were finally included, of which two were rated A and six were rated B in terms of quality. The 40 integrated results were summarized into 12 categories and combined into three integrated results. The primary themes included the symptoms exhibited by adolescents with mTBI and their impact on daily life; the needs and challenges of adolescents with mTBI during the rehabilitation period; and the self-management experiences of adolescents with mTBI during the rehabilitation period. Secondary themes included interference with daily activities; forced termination of hobbies and interests; academic difficulties; increased negative emotions; social withdrawal; obtaining academic accommodations; acquiring information and knowledge about the disease; help from family and friends; timely and effective treatment and rehabilitation; control of the environment; adjusting rest and activity strategies; and active self-healing.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Medical staff should focus on the feelings, reported needs, and practical difficulties of mTBI adolescents during the rehabilitation period and formulate more personalized rehabilitation strategies for them.