JCPSLP Vol 17 No 2 2015_web

Interpretive phenomenology is a research methodology that aims to analyse the significance of participant experiences and offer insight into their own interpretation and comprehension of these experiences (Tuohy, Cooney, Dowling, Murphy, & Sixsmith, 2013). This methodology allows the researcher to evaluate the data using qualitative analysis, while still preserving objectivity and rigour. This is achieved through a process known as “bracketing”, whereby the everyday assumptions, attitudes, and prejudices of the researchers are put aside to focus on describing the participants’ experiences of the phenomenon in its purest form (Tuohy et al., 2013). Interpretive phenomenology allows the participants’ experiences to be classified under general themes and summarised with the use of key quotes that clarify each individual’s experience (Ivey, 2013). The use of this coding system permits a level of insight into the key issues experienced by persons with a TBI and their significant others (SO) while accessing SLP services. Participants Two groups of participants were recruited for the project: (a) adults of working age (18–65 years) who sustained a severe TBI between 1998 and 2012 and who had accessed SLP services following injury and (b) their nominated significant other. An invitation to participate in the study was disseminated via the e-newsletter and Facebook page of Synapse (formally The Brain Injury Association of Queensland), a disability organisation for those living with acquired brain injury. The organisation is based in Queensland, but is able to be accessed nationwide, thereby providing reach to individuals throughout Australia. Purposive sampling was also used to assist in recruitment of individuals from states other than Queensland. This

approach (purposive sampling) allows researchers to recruit participants with particular characteristics which will allow them to answer the research questions (Guarte & Barrios, 2007). Four male Australian residents with TBI, and two female significant others (wife and defacto partner) participated in the study. Three of the four men sustained a TBI through a motor vehicle accident, the other following a physical assault. Two of the male participants had returned to work following their TBI, however only one was employed in his previous capacity (see Table 1). Data collection PWTBI and their SOs completed online surveys (available on request) prior to attending an in-person interview with two researchers. The surveys were first piloted with speech pathologists with extensive clinical and research experience in the field of TBI, and further refined through the ethics application process. Participants were informed that assistance from a SO was permitted during survey completion to mitigate any potential difficulties experienced as a result of cognitive-communication or literacy impairments. Surveys were completed online through the web-based generator Survey Monkey. Semi-structured interviews (30–45mins) were conducted, with one interview taking place at the University of Queensland campus and the remaining five via teleconference. These interviews aimed to qualitatively explore the continuum of care experienced by adults with a brain injury, employing a topic list to ensure coverage of all relevant areas. Interviews were audio recorded for later analysis. Ethical clearance for this study was granted by the University of Queensland’s Behavioural and Social Sciences Ethical Review Committee.

Anna M. Copley (top), and Naomi A. MacBean. Alastair D.

Table 1: Participant details

Stage of recovery where SP was accessed

Employment status post TBI

Location Role

Employment status pre TBI

Pseudonym Age Gender Time since injury

McRae photo not supplied

Gordon

26 Male

1 year

Vic

Person with a TBI

Employed

Employed

Intensive care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation

Thomas

42 Male

15 years

Vic

Person with a TBI Person with a TBI

Employed

Unemployed – Studying Employed at family firm

Live-in rehabilitation

Mitchell

33 Male

7 years Qld

Employed

Intensive care, inpatient rehabilitation, live-in rehabilitation (biru), outpatient rehabilitation, ongoing rehabilitation Outpatient rehabilitation, ongoing rehabilitation Inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, ongoing rehabilitation

Mary

60 Female 2 years Qld

Significant other Person with a TBI

Employed

Retired

Trevor

34 Male

1 year

Qld

Employed

Unemployed – on a disability pension Unemployed – on a disability pension

Inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, ongoing rehabilitation

Samantha

27 Female 1 year

Qld

Significant other

Employed

Note. Pseudonyms have been used to maximise participant privacy and confidentiality.

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JCPSLP Volume 17, Number 2 2015

Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology