Experts' Perspectives on Psychosocial Needs of Couples Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative Study from a Tertiary Care Centre.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has an immense impact on families, particularly spouses, who face significant challenges such as changes in roles and responsibilities, relational dynamics and financial instability. The study aims to explore the psychosocial needs and concerns of couples coping with TBI from experts across various fields. PURPOSE: The study purpose was to explore the psychosocial needs and concerns of couples coping with TBI from experts across various fields. METHODS: The current study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, involving in-depth, face-to-face interviews with experts. Nine experts from six professional backgrounds were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligibility criteria included a minimum of 5 years of expertise in TBI-related fields, proficiency in English and willingness to provide informed consent. The interviews were audio-recorded with the participants' consent. RESULTS: Experts included neuropsychologists, psychiatric social workers, neurosurgeons, neuro-rehabilitation experts, physiotherapists and clinical nurses. A total of five themes have been identified, namely education needs, emotional needs, family needs, financial needs and support needs. CONCLUSION: The study on the psychosocial needs of couples from experts' perspectives in India is unique in nature. The results of this study will support the development and implementation of tailored psychosocial interventions specifically designed for couples in India. Various stakeholders engaged in the management of TBIs emphasised the critical importance of addressing the needs of these couples and ensuring the timely provision of personalised psychosocial support.