THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSTTRAUMA PROBLEM REPORTING AND CARER QUALITY-OF-LIFE AFTER SEVERE HEAD-INJURY

Head injury is a significant cause of death and disability. This study examined the quality of life of carers of individuals following sever e head injury from the acute neurosurgical care period to one year pos t discharge from hospital. The contribution of patterns of problem rep orting by patients and their carers to quality of life was examined. C arer psychosocial adjustment and individual quality of life evaluation s were significantly poorer than general population levels and did not change over a one year period. However, significant increases in the number of problems reported were noted over time. No significant diffe rences were found between patients and carers in the numbers of proble ms identified at each of three assessments, although the level of agre ement about problems identified was quite low. Female patients reporte d significantly more problems than male patients. Carer problem report ing was found to significantly predict carer quality of life and psych osocial functioning to a greater extent than patient problem reporting , a pattern which emerged after the patient had been discharged from h ospital. The study demonstrates increasing problem profiles and differ ing perceptions of patients and carers over time. Combined with a lack of improvement in carer quality of life over a one year recovery peri od, this highlights the need for longer-term professional support and advice services aimed at both patients and carers.