Health professionals’ and consumers’ perspectives of the important features of a community brain injury rehabilitation service

Background Adults with traumatic brain injuries frequently encounter challenges with cognitive, emotional, physical and communicative function, and they require specialist rehabilitation and support. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritise features of a brain injury rehabilitation service that are important to health professionals and consumers (clients and family) in a regional area. Methods The nominal group technique methodology was used. Between July and September 2022, four workshops were held with healthcare professionals (HCPs, n =19) and consumers (n =3). Workshop discussions were recorded and thematically analysed to identify the most important themes per group and overall. Results Six key themes were identified. These related to a brain injury rehabilitation service being: (1) equitable and person-centred, (2) able to provide specialised services in response to client's needs, (3) well-connected and having a central coordinating role, (4) providing advocacy, education and facilitation of peer support, (5) building the capacity of the wider workforce, and (6) having clear and transparent clinical processes. There was substantial alignment between the themes of HCPs and consumers. Conclusion The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the redesign, strategic planning and enhancement of brain injury rehabilitation services especially in regional areas.