The lived experience following free functioning muscle transfer for management of pan-brachial plexus injury: reflections from a long-term follow-up study.

The findings of this study demonstrate that comprehensive medical coverage and access to expert brachial plexus injury health providers support patients following injury. However, recovery also requires the need for the patient to adjust and establish a new self-concept. Health care providers can assist patients by establishing positive therapeutic relationships, as well as, reducing the number of care providers by providing a continuity of care from the same health professionals.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIndividuals with pan-brachial plexus injuries felt it was beneficial to work with health care providers with extensive brachial plexus injury knowledge.Stable, long-term relationships with health providers during rehabilitation were reported as beneficial to recovery.Greater consideration of the process of adjustment and creating a new self-identity following pan-brachial plexus injury needs to be considered during rehabilitation.