The present study sought to investigate the experience of individuals living with their partner with an acquired brain injury (ABI) during the first lock down period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven partners of individuals who had sustained a range of ABIs. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was carried out by two of the researchers exploring the unique narratives.

ABI occurs within a relational framework, which means that it has repercussions not only for the individual but also the entire family system. COVID-19 prevented family systems (living separately) from coming together which negatively impacted them; however, it also slowed life down, with many people working from home with flexible arrangements in place which participants found to be beneficial. Three main themes emerged from the interview data: partner focus, slowing down and support networks. The narratives identified the struggles of having to continue their partner’s rehabilitation when face to face services could not visit the home, the importance of establishing routine, the positives of a slower paced life (due to COVID-19) that enabled them to build stronger relationships with their partners, and the difficulties of being separated from family and loved ones.

This research suggests that it is imperative to consider individual experiences and choices. Some families benefited from reduced treatment and a slowed pace of life, whilst others may find this overwhelming and burdensome. The study makes recommendations for supporting couples after an ABI during the ongoing pandemic.

本研究旨在调查在 COVID-19 大流行的第一个封锁期间与患有获得性脑损伤 (ABI) 的伴侣生活在一起的个人的经历。

对经历过一系列 ABI 的个人的七位伴侣进行了半结构化访谈。采访内容逐字记录，并由两名研究人员进行主题分析，探索独特的叙述。

ABI 发生在关系框架内，这意味着它不仅对个人而且对整个家庭系统都有影响。COVID-19 阻止了家庭系统（分居）聚集在一起，从而对其产生了负面影响；然而，这也放慢了生活节奏，许多人在家工作，并采取灵活的安排，参与者认为这很有好处。采访数据中出现了三个主题：合作伙伴关注、放慢速度和支持网络。这些叙述指出了当面对面服务无法上门服务时，必须继续伴侣康复的困难、建立日常生活习惯的重要性、慢节奏生活（由于 COVID-19）的积极作用，使他们能够建立更牢固的关系与他们的合作伙伴，

这项研究表明，必须考虑个人的经历和选择。一些家庭受益于减少的治疗和放慢的生活节奏，而另一些家庭可能会发现这令人难以承受和负担。该研究提出了在持续大流行期间为 ABI 后的夫妇提供支持的建议。