K Tham1, L Borell, A Gustavsson. 1. Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Elderly Research, Stockholm, Sweden. Kerstin.Tham@neurotec.ki.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Clients with right brain damage and unilateral neglect often lack awareness of their disabilities. This study examined how 4 participants with neglect experienced, discovered, and handled their disabilities in the context of their everyday life. METHOD: The 4 participants were interviewed five to seven times during their rehabilitation process. The data were collected and analyzed using the EPP (empirical, phenomenological, psychological) method. FINDINGS: Findings revealed seven features that described a discovery process for the 4 participants. During this process, each participant began to discover and understand the consequences of her unilateral neglect in the performance of everyday tasks. This increased understanding was a prerequisite to being able to use compensatory strategies. CONCLUSION: By experiencing meaningful occupational situations, the participants gradually discovered and began to compensate for their disabilities in everyday life.
OBJECTIVE: Clients with right brain damage and unilateral neglect often lack awareness of their disabilities. This study examined how 4 participants with neglect experienced, discovered, and handled their disabilities in the context of their everyday life. METHOD: The 4 participants were interviewed five to seven times during their rehabilitation process. The data were collected and analyzed using the EPP (empirical, phenomenological, psychological) method. FINDINGS: Findings revealed seven features that described a discovery process for the 4 participants. During this process, each participant began to discover and understand the consequences of her unilateral neglect in the performance of everyday tasks. This increased understanding was a prerequisite to being able to use compensatory strategies. CONCLUSION: By experiencing meaningful occupational situations, the participants gradually discovered and began to compensate for their disabilities in everyday life.
Authors: Julius T Kamwesiga; Gunilla M Eriksson; Kerstin Tham; Uno Fors; Ali Ndiwalana; Lena von Koch; Susanne Guidetti Journal: Global Health Date: 2018-08-15 Impact factor: 4.185