Challenges and Strategies in Interviewing People With Acquired Brain Injury and Communication Impairment in Qualitative Interview Studies: A Secondary Analysis of Interview Data.

aimsTo explore challenges involved in designing and conducting qualitative interviews with people with communication impairment due to acquired brain injury, as well as analysing data from such interviews, and to map strategies used to facilitate participation.

designSecondary analysis of qualitative interview data.

methodsA secondary qualitative content analysis was conducted using data from a previous multiple-case interview study on daily life without cranial bone protection. Data comprised interviews with patients with acute severe brain injury, family members and staff, as well as logbook notes and field notes incorporated into transcripts.

resultsFindings are presented as a timeline and thematic categories, highlighting challenges related to planning, interviewing people with communication impairment, and interpreting fragmented or partly non-verbal narratives. Strategies included flexible interview procedures, the use of logbooks for planning and analysis, and field notes to capture non-verbal cues. Involvement of family members facilitated participation and interpretation.

conclusionDespite challenges throughout planning, interviewing, and analysis, individuals with communication impairment due to acquired brain injury contributed valuable insights. Involving persons close to the patient enriched and confirmed patient narratives, while direct questioning and documentation of non-verbal communication added depth and breadth that could not be gathered from other sources. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The findings provide practical guidance for researchers and clinicians seeking to include people with communication impairment in qualitative research. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? ○ People with communication impairment after acquired brain injury are often excluded from qualitative interview research. What were the main findings? ○ Meaningful participation was facilitated through flexible interviewing, communication support, field notes, and involvement of family members. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? ○ The findings may support researchers and clinicians working with people with communication impairment following acquired brain injury. REPORTING

methodCOREQ. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.