Misconceptions about brain injury among the general public and non-expert health professionals: an exploratory study

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the lack of knowledge an d misconceptions concerning brain injury, as perceived by those with experi ence of the condition. Using a qualitative research method, 19 semi-structu red interviews were conducted with brain-injured individuals, caregivers an d professionals who provide social rehabilitation after brain injury. Inter views were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Accordi ng to participants, inaccurate and inadequate knowledge about brain injury is common among the general public and among health professionals without e xpertise in the field of brain injury. The major themes that emerged from t he analysis were: inaccurate beliefs about recovery time and possible exten t of recovery from brain injury; lack of awareness of the diversity of prob lems it can cause, particularly the existence of behavioural and cognitive sequelae; misconceptions about the capabilities of brain-injured people dep ending on the visibility or invisibility of their disability; and misidenti fication of brain-injured individuals as mentally ill or learning disabled. Results are discussed in terms of a theory of illness cognition. Possibili ties for further research are discussed, and it is concluded that the resul ts of this study could help guide future information provision to all who m ay come into contact with brain injury.