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Around 300,000 children are admitted to A&E in the United Kingdom (UK) with a head injury every year, making Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) the biggest cause of disability and death in children (NHS 2022). Past research has demonstrated the significant knock-on effect which TBI has on children & young peoples (CYP) and their parents’ mental health, psychological distress, financial situation, their education, and their relationships. However, despite recognising the prevalence and impact of TBI, there is still limited scope of research exploring this area, particularly using a retrospective study methodology. My research will explore perspectives from educational professionals and parents, as well as retrospective experiences of young people affected by TBI. The overall aim is to identify experiences and unmet needs in education, for children with TBI, to inform a co-created digital application to improve education services, support, and outcomes for children. This resource will support social skill development for children, with a focus on friendships. This is particularly important after TBI as CYP can experience social isolation and difficultly making and maintaining friendships. In turn, this can have a negative impact on their long-term mental health.

Women usually stay longer in hospitals after giving birth via Caesarean section. Now hospitals are not a safe place, and no one should stay there any time longer than absolutely necessary. My research is about finding out how long they should actually be in hospital, the causes of delay in discharge process, and as healthcare professionals, what we can do better.