Significant others’ perspectives on formal supports at 3- and 12-months post-discharge from specialist rehabilitation units following acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury

Published 26th October 2026

Purpose: To explore from significant others’ perspective the experiences of and barriers to accessing formal supports in the first year post-discharge after acquired brain injury (ABI) and spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with significant others (family members/friends) of individuals with newly acquired ABI and SCI at 3- (n = 24) and 12-months post-discharge (n = 19) from inpatient rehabilitation in Queensland, Australia. Data were thematically analysed using the Framework method.

Results: Four themes emerged. Theme 1 (Journeying along new and complex pathways) describes participants’ experience forging a path through an unknown landscape. Theme 2 (Being on the same page through open and active communication) highlights the impact of communication on the experience of formal supports. Theme 3 (Getting the support right: prioritising the who and how) stresses the importance of formal supports understanding the person with the injury, their interests and needs. Theme 4 (Becoming the safety net) describes the impact on significant others who had to fill the gaps in formal support.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need to proactively involve significant others as well as people with an injury in the rehabilitation and decision-making process to support the needs and well-being of both parties.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION 

• Significant others of people with acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury play a central role in meeting gaps in formal support systems in the first year post-discharge.
• Significant others often want greater involvement in rehabilitation decision-making processes to address the substantial impacts of the injury on their own lives.
• Clear and proactive guidance from clinicians about available formal supports is essential to help significant others form realistic expectations and navigate systems effectively.
• Targeted psychosocial interventions for significant others are recommended to strengthen their capacity to sustain their support role.

Citation: Bray, E., Brough, R., Burridge, L., Nielsen, M., Watter, K., Kendall, M., Amsters, D., Hogan, C., Geraghty, T., Ownsworth, T. Significant others’ perspectives on formal supports at 3- and 12-months post-discharge following acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury. Disability & Rehabilitation.

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