Together in recovery: implementing early family-centered care for patients with disorders of consciousness following traumatic brain injury or stroke in the intensive care unit
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Abstract
Disorders of consciousness (DoC) or impaired wakefulness or awareness can result from damage to the brain from various causes, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. When administered by family members, multimodal sensory stimulation is a proven intervention method for early rehabilitation, significantly improving levels of consciousness (LOC), cognitive and functional outcomes, and rehabilitation potential among patients with DoC in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Despite these benefits, family-led multimodal sensory stimulation early after an acute injury in the ICU remains limited, reflecting global gaps in knowledge translation (KT) and barriers to implementing evidence-informed best practice guidelines and family-centered care (FCC) for DoC in the ICU. The Together in Recovery program aims to elevate care standards for patients with TBI and stroke-induced DoC in the ICU by integrating evidence-based clinical multidisciplinary guidelines with an FCC approach to address these gaps. Central to this approach is family education, facilitated through comprehensive communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, key stakeholders, and family members. Recognizing the complex nature of DoC, Together in Recovery will evaluate the effectiveness of a combined FCC model designed to optimize patient outcomes, include families early in the care process, and streamline care protocols. Using the Knowledge to Action (KTA) implementation science framework and a mixed-methods approach, this project will assess the impact of these strategies on patient recovery trajectories, family-centered education, family implementation of sensory stimulation interventions, and healthcare provider adherence to best practices. Anticipated outcomes of Together in Recovery include improved patient care standards and outcomes, such as increased LOC, collaborative care, enhanced family engagement, and the establishment of a replicable FCC model for other ICUs managing TBI and stroke patients with DoC.
Description
2025