The Information Gap for Children and Young People with Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract

Statement of Purpose: This study explored the information requirements of children/youth with an acquired brain injury.Methods: An online survey (n = 16), focus group (n = 5) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 3) elicited the views of 24 children/youth with ABI. A priori thematic coding was used to analyze the data.Results: Five themes emerged: stage and age, school, friendship and peers, delivery methods and information content. The desired information changes over time depending on age and time since the injury. Children/youth want their friends and teachers to access information on brain injury. Children/youth want information delivered through a range of channels, including videos (featuring genuine case studies), apps and board games. Children/youth wanted information specific to their injury, information on brain injury more generally, and practical strategies for overcoming problems.Conclusions: Children/youth with ABI were able to express views about their information needs, which change over time and include a range of channels.

Keywords: Information; acquired brain injury; children; youth.