Perception of Barriers to the Diagnosis and Receipt of Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Disturbances After Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore perceptions of barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis and receipt of treatment for neuropsychiatric disturbances (NPDs) after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus groups.

SETTING: A clinic specializing in the treatment of TBI NPDs, an urban trauma center, and a large urban academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: A sample (N=33) of health care providers (n=10) who treat individuals with TBI, persons with TBI (n=18), and caregivers (n=5).

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Topic guides for the interviews and focus groups were guided by previous literature, clinical experience, and the goals of the project and focused on the 3 most common TBI NPDs: depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We performed a conventional content analysis on the transcripts and grouped concepts into overall themes, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

RESULTS: Patient education, insurance, provider type, time since TBI, caregiver support, and recognition or screening for TBI NPDs were the most frequently mentioned barriers or facilitators to the diagnosis and treatment of TBI NPDs by both interview and focus group participants. We grouped these and other frequently mentioned concepts into 3 broad themes: education, access, and support. Each of these themes is explored in depth and supported with direct quotations.

CONCLUSIONS: This study explored patient, caregiver, and health care provider and identified barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis and receipt of treatment for TBI NPDs. Barriers included poor provider education on TBI NPDs and limited access to care due to lack of insurance, transportation, and income. Facilitators included patient education on TBI NPDs and strong caregiver support. Future studies should develop and pilot interventions aimed at quality of care that address the identified barriers and facilitators.