Introduction: Navigating transitioning from hospital-to-home can be challenging, particularly if adjusting to life following an acquired brain injury (ABI). Research innovation is exploding in the use of technology at this timepoint, and it is vital to include individual experiences to strengthen healthcare design outcomes. The perspectives of people with ABI are underrepresented and more research is recommended.
Objectives: This study aims to explore for people with ABI (1) their unique problems experienced when transitioning home from hospital, and (2) how they believe technological solutions could solve these issues.
Materials and Methods: Interpretive description was used to examine the lived experiences of four individuals with ABI, drawn from a broader participatory action research study. Here they participated in four co-design workshops which explored technological solutions to support the transition home from inpatient ABI rehabilitation. Comparative analysis was used to analyse the data and develop themes.
Results: Six themes emerged: Participants experienced ‘home is a different planet’, ‘being told I was ready is different to being ready’ and ‘I wasn’t told about my new reality’. Technology was seen to be able to ‘help connect me to the real word’, ‘help me understand my new reality’, and ‘ensure everyone is on the same page’.
Conclusion: The use of technology as a transition home strategy is desired by participants, particularly to manage expectations of life post-hospital. Highlights include opportunities for practice of real-world experiences, and for clinicians to focus on the unique preparation needs of individuals rather than organisational discharge goals.