International best practice guidelines suggest a specialised, multidisciplinary approach is integral to optimise outcomes for patients with disorders of consciousness. Despite this, staff report reduced confidence and skill in the management of patients with disorders of consciousness, and education provision to families is inconsistent. To address this evidence gap, we used a pre-post intervention study design, measuring family and staff perceptions of novel family and staff education packages addressing disorders of consciousness assessment and management.

This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of hospital discharge and transition to community for people with acquired disability and complex needs. Participants described feeling overwhelmed navigating fragmented systems and assuming new responsibilities post-discharge. Findings highlight the need for proactive and coordinated discharge planning, improved access to community-based trials of equipment and supports, and structured follow-up. Co-designed, cross-sector solutions are essential to reduce delays and support adjustment during this critical transition period.

A literature review was conducted to better understand when and how adults with acquired neurological disability collaborate with health professionals and researchers in co-design. We also wanted to understand the experience of participating in co-design. Forty-five studies were identified. Analysis of the studies showed variability in the definition and use of co-design, and despite being unfamiliar and at times challenging, it was a meaningful experience. Future work is needed to optimise involvement of people with disability in co-design.

This article belongs to the collection: Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment.

Including people with lived experience of brain injury in the development of a new therapy can ensure the end-product meets the needs of future users more effectively. We worked with people with communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury, and their families, to co-design a family therapy. The people taking part gave positive feedback about being involved in the research and identified ways in which the therapy could be improved. For example, making the content person-centred and easy to understand.

This article belongs to the collection: Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment.

In this study, we investigated factors that might influence cognitive recovery after concussion. We found having many post-concussion symptoms and fears of nonrecovery may increase risk for persisting cognitive symptoms. Our findings may guide targeted treatment efforts focusing on factors with potential to influence cognitive symptom reporting after concussion.

Today’s world increasingly relies on technology, but not all groups can easily shape the tools they use. We explored a new type of collaborative online design event that allowed older adults and people living with neurological conditions to meaningfully contribute to technology development, unlike traditional hackathons. By finding ways to include meaningful contribution from people with diverse needs, we can help ensure future technologies truly meet everyone’s needs.

This article belongs to the collection: Collaboration, Co-production, & Co-design: Moving Ahead in Brain Impairment.