Exploring the Role of Informal Caregivers in Patient Centered Communication within Acquired Brain Injury Care: A Narrative Analysis

Patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) have very complex care needs. Embracing patient centered care is crucial in addressing these complex needs. Central to patient centered care is patient centered communication (PCC), which is a process that invites and encourages patients to actively engage in decision making based on their care needs. However, individuals with ABI are often confronted with communication problems. Informal caregivers play a vital role in ensuring their loved ones receive appropriate care by advocating for their needs. While the importance of PCC within ABI care and the role that informal caregivers play within this context is acknowledged, there remains a research gap regarding the roles and contributions of informal caregivers in facilitating such communication.

The aim of this research is to fill this gap and investigate the roles of informal caregivers in patient centered communication (PCC), the specific skills they employ and the challenges they encounter, within the context of ABI care.