Lifespace and occupational participation following acquired brain injury during driving disruption: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Purpose To examine the lifespace of participants referred for occupational therapy driving assessment following acquired brain injury, to understand how, why, where and with whom access and participation in community-based occupations is occurring during the period of driving disruption. Materials and methods The mixed methods, convergent research design utilised a travel diary and Lifespace Mobility Assessment-Composite quantitative elements and semi-structured interviews analysed qualitatively with an interpretive description lens. Results Forty-eight participants (56.25% male) aged between 26 and 65 years, left home on average once/day, primarily to conduct instrumental activities of daily living, health management, and social participation community-based occupations. Most reported restricted lifespace (54.2%) requiring assistance to conduct community occupations (68.1%). Support was primarily provided by family members (80.3%). Analysis of semi-structured interviews (n = 15) created three themes that shaped participant occupational experience during driving disruption: (i) changes to occupational participation; (ii) reliance on others for community access and participation; and (iii) trying to move forward. Conclusion The period of driving disruption following the onset of acquired brain injury is a time of occupational disruption which restricts lifespace, changing how, why, where and with whom participation in community-based occupations occurs. Rehabilitation facilitating occupational adaptation process to enhance community access capacity is indicated.