A thematic synthesis of parents'/carers' perspectives regarding the development and content of interventions aimed at supporting children and young people with acquired brain injury and their families.

Abstract

This review aims to synthesise published evidence on parents'/carers' perspectives regarding the development and content of interventions for children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families. A systematic review of qualitative and mixed-methods studies was conducted. Searches in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OpenDissertations, AMED, and Scopus identified studies reporting parents'/carers' perspectives on ABI interventions. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse findings, and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Thirteen studies were included. Two overarching themes were identified: 1) Feeling supported, highlighting the importance of emotional reassurance, peer connections, and sustained access to support; and 2) Being equipped to navigate the complexities of ABI recovery, highlighting the need for accessible, structured, and culturally responsive interventions to help families navigate ABI recovery. Parents/carers valued flexible, inclusive, and tailored interventions that adapted to their evolving needs. Findings highlight the importance of interventions that provide both emotional and practical support while remaining accessible and responsive to diverse family circumstances. These insights contribute to the development of family-centred rehabilitation programmes that enhance parent/carer wellbeing and engagement in CYP's recovery.