Caring for our wounded warriors: A qualitative examination of healthrelatedquality of life in caregivers of individuals with military-relatedtraumatic brain injury

摘要

The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptualframework that captures aspects of healthrelated quality oflife (HRQOL) for caregivers of individuals with militaryrelatedtraumatic brain injury (TBI). We analyzed qualitative data fromnine focus groups composed of caregivers of wounded warriorswith a medically documented TBI. Focus group participants wererecruited through hospitalbased and/or community outreachefforts at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, theUniversity of Michigan, and Hearts of Valor support groups (Tennesseeand Washington). Participants were the caregivers (n = 45)of wounded warriors who had sustained a mild, moderate, severe,or penetrating TBI. Qualitative frequency analysis indicated thatcaregivers most frequently discussed social health (44% of comments),followed by emotional (40%) and physical health (12%).Areas of discussion that were specific to this population includedanger regarding barriers to health services (for caregivers and servicemembers),emotional suppression (putting on a brave face forothers even when things are not going well), and hypervigilance(controlling one’s behavior/environment to prevent upsetting theservicemember). Caring for wounded warriors with TBI isa complex experience that positively and negatively affectsHRQOL. While some aspects of HRQOL can be evaluated withexisting measures, evaluation tools for other important componentsdo not exist. The development of militaryspecific measureswould help facilitate better care for these individuals.