One family's experience with head injury: a phenomenological study.

A phenomenological approach was used in this study to describe the lived experience of one family with traumatic brain injury. All seven family members were interviewed regarding their thoughts and memories from the night of the accident through the acute stage and initial rehabilitative stage. Three themes captured the essence of the experience as described by the parents and siblings: "helplessness and the need to hope," "need to be informed and involved" and "impact of intubation/extubation." The victim's unique perspective was captured by the themes: "going home," "concern for others" and "piecing it together." Hermeneutic interpretations examine the transformative and enriching aspects as well as the disruptions and problems associated with the family experience of traumatic brain injury.