The value of social networks to individuals with a severe traumatic brain injury: a mixed methods approach.

Persons with severe traumatic brain injury and their close relatives predominantly learn to manage the new situation, with functionality driving social interaction. However, as social networks often are limited to the close family, these individuals are placed in a vulnerable position.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONExisting networks (whether few or many) are of major importance for individuals with traumatic brain injury in the rehabilitation process.Close social relations possess knowledge about the survivor with traumatic brain injury that is important for the rehabilitation process.To support individuals and their families who lack strong resources and social networks, health care professionals should systematically identify these persons from admission to hospital and primary care.When these persons have been identified, individual plans for how to strengthen their network can be developed in collaboration with the individuals and their existing social network.