Introduction: Head injuries can have temporary or permanent consequences in terms of
physiological and psychosocial functioning. The treatment begins in the prehospital care,
where normal functioning of organ systems, whose functioning is disrupted due to the
injuries is prioritized. Treatment continues in the post-acute and rehabilitation phase until
the patient is prepared for discharge home. Due to the critical consequences of the injury,
relatives are usually involved in all phases of the treatment. The aim of this diploma thesis
is to present the experience of patients with head injuries and the impact on their significant
others through a literature review. Purpose: The goal of this diploma is describing the role
of the nurse in the patients experience with this type of injury. Methods: A descriptive
method of work was used for the preparation of the diploma thesis, namely we reviewed the
literature by using pre-set keywords in the databases of Medline, CINAHL and the COBISS
system. Results: We identified 16 relevant articles explaining the patients experience after a
head injury, the experience of the patient’s relatives and the role of the nurse in medical
treatment and rehabilitation. A review of the literature has shown that a patient’s life after a
head injury can drastically change in all aspects of life, and if the patient needs physical,
emotional or financial help because of it, the patients relatives lives also most likely change.
The role of a nurse is to help the patient and their significant others to establish new life
patterns. Conclusion: The role of the nurse in treating a patient with a head injury is
multifaceted and represents a critical factor in the outcomes. In order for a nurse to perform
this role successfully, she must understand the whole experience of the patient and his
relatives.
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