Abstract
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) is a phenomenon that has been of major and
significant global public health concern, associated with adverse effects and high
death rates in children and adolescents. The prevalence of pTBI has a greater impact
and places a disproportionate burden on low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
However, the literature on the pathways of care for patients with pTBI in LMICs
remains underdeveloped. Furthermore, the importance of rehabilitation has been
underestimated, with more focus on the guidelines for medical management postsurgical
care for survivors of pTBI. Compared to adults, children who have sustained
brain injuries warrant particular concern because of the developmental implications
that are harmful to the developing brain which leads to psychosocial, emotional,
cognitive and behavioural difficulties. It was thus important to conduct a study that
especially focused on exploring the pathways of care for survivors of pTBI, as less is
known about the rehabilitation and management of care post-discharge, especially in
low- to middle-income contexts such as South Africa. The study made use of a multiple
case study research design to gain a better understanding of and insight into the
participants’ perceptions of pTBI care pathways. Findings from this minor dissertation
will contribute to the pool of literature on the pediatric population that is affected by
traumatic brain injury in LMICs. The findings of this study indicated that pTBI care
pathways in LMICs were clear and guided, but as a result of socioeconomic
environmental factors and caregiver difficulties after conditions of low income and
circumstances, pTBI care practices were ineffective at times. The findings of this study
portray the real-life experiences of healthcare and education professionals in the
context of care for patients with pTBI in rehabilitation and management in lowand
middle-income contexts.