Taking care experiences of improved comatose patients with traumatic brain injury and their families

INTRODUCTION: The most prominent causes of coma are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which have high incidence. However, little research about the caring aspects of these patients has been done, and the notion of caring experiences is unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted to describe the care-taking experiences of coma patients and their families during and after treatment. METHODS: This study is a qualitative content analysis. Participants in this study were improved TBI patients and their families. Participants were selected purposefully. The method of data collection was 16 interviews that were held with 14 of the participants. Data were analyzed using Elo and Kyngäs conventional content analysis guidelines with MAXQDA software, version 10. RESULTS: The results showed four main themes and eight categories. Themes included “crisis,” “comprehensive support,” communication,” and “unprofessional care.” CONCLUSION: Patients and families experience a crisis during hospitalization and after discharge. Therefore, patients and families need psychological support. Informing families and communication decrease the conflicts between healthcare personnel and the family. Medical staff must be careful about their statements and behaviors during comatose patients’ care because they understand the care process.