Baicalin as a Multifunctional Candidate for Depression and Related Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities: From Neuroinflammation Modulation to Neuroplasticity Restoration.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), defined as a bump, blow, or penetrating head injury disrupting normal brain function (), is the leading cause of death and disability among injuries globally. Cognitive, physical, behavioral, or emotional impairments () caused by TBI affect abilities to independently manage health, wellness, social, and daily activities (). Approximately 40–60% of U.S. younger TBI patients (18–64 years) are discharged home from acute hospital care () with poor outcomes; 43% have long-term disabilities (), 55% become depressed (), and 60% never return to work (). As most people sustain a TBI at a young age (), challenges not addressed early can persist across their lifespan (). The complexities of experiencing a TBI as a younger adult requires input from multiple perspectives on these challenges to inform strategies for cultivating patient-family-provider partnerships to improve transitions home from acute hospital care. Experiences transitioning home from acute hospital care after TBI can vary by injury severity, familial and healthcare provider (HCP) support, and social and financial circumstances. Although research shows TBI patients and family members desire and could benefit from HCP support during care transitions (), specific needs of younger TBI patients and families are not well understood. Most research on this topic has been conducted near discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (). Experiences from hospital to home and HCP perceptions of patient/family needs during this transition have not been studied (). The purpose of this study was to explore experiences transitioning home from acute hospital care from the perspectives of younger TBI patients, caregivers, and HCPs. Findings are needed to inform transitional care interventions for younger TBI patients and families as no standards currently exist for this patient population returning home (). This study used a qualitative descriptive design (). Institutional review board approval was received. Using purposive sampling, participants were recruited from April-December 2019 at a U.S. acute hospital serving all patients, regardless of insurance status, in close proximity to the state’s capital city.