Clinical practice guidelines for managing psychosocial difficulties in adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: considerations for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Australia's society is multicultural. Studies suggest that individuals from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background who sustain moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) report poorer functional and mental health outcomes. Qualitative interviews of CALD individuals with TBI confirm that culturally associated beliefs may influence interpretation of injury and recovery, with experiences of stigma, isolation, communication challenges and loss of independence contributing negatively to experiences, whereas access to good care, culturally appropriate communication and family support are paramount for recovery. This paper presents recommendations for clinicians to support them in providing culturally sensitive care for CALD individuals with TBI and their families. The recommendations were formulated based on qualitative interviews with CALD individuals with TBI, consultation with another four CALD individuals with experience of TBI, including two co-authors, and consideration of other cultural guidelines in the mental health domain. The recommendations emphasise the importance of cultural competency training for clinicians; consideration of acculturation levels and impact of migration; culturally sensitive use of communication, interpreters and language; and understanding of psychosocial challenges, including mental health problems, through a cultural lens. Ensuring clinicians and services provide culturally sensitive care is vital to maximise quality of life in CALD individuals with TBI.