Work

Co-design and co-production of ‘Tools for ageing well with traumatic brain injury’

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Despite experiencing complex health needs, there are limited targeted resources to assist older adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to age well. This report aims to describe the co-design and co-production of a tailored resource designed with, and for, older people with TBI, their families/carers, and health professionals working with them. Methods A five-stage design-thinking process was followed, incorporating 'empathising' with older adults with TBI and their families/carers (stage 1); 'defining' health priorities/information needs (stage 2); 'ideating' the resource's content, structure, and design (stage 3); 'prototyping' (stage 4); and 'testing' (stage 5). Results 'Tools for ageing well with traumatic brain injury' was launched in September 2024, in the format of a printed manual and online web version with downloadable text resources and videos. The resource includes information to help older adults with TBI and their families/carers engage with health services, self-manage health conditions, navigate health care and funding systems, and advocate proactively for health care and support needs. Conclusions This study reinforced the value of co-design and co-production within a five-stage design-thinking process in developing a resource that had meaning and relevance for people with brain injury and their families/carers, helping them to proactively plan for ageing well with TBI.

Source: Brain Impairment

DOI: 10.1071/ib24125