Experiences of inpatient rehabilitation from the perspective of persons with acquired brain injury.

Our findings provide a patient perspective for clinicians and administrators to consider. We found that ABI was significantly disruptive to personal identity - resulting in tensions in autonomy while attempting to reclaim a sense of identity. We suggest counseling services and strategies supporting post-injury adjustment, along with ways for rehabilitation professionals to enhance patient autonomy where possible.Implications for rehabilitationSustaining an ABI can significantly disrupt personal identity and sense of autonomy - especially as persons occupy the role of "patient" while in inpatient rehabilitation.Psychological support is recommended to address the impacts of ABI on patients' sense of identity, as well as on family members.Strategies of support might include, providing formal psychotherapy, as well as creating opportunities for patients and family members to discuss the changes they are experiencing, and to establish their personal narratives (e.g., through writing or art) or peer mentorship programs between discharged and current patients.Clinicians can enhance patient autonomy by increasing opportunities for communication with patients about choice; educating patients and family members on the rehabilitation team's decision-making process, and other methods that increase communication and provide consistent up-to-date information to patients and their family members.