“I Realized It Wouldn’t Heal”: A Perspective of Road Traffic Accident Survivors and Roles of Spouses and Health Care Team Members in Northeast Thailand

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of the experiences of road traffic accident survivors remains limited, especially regarding their recovery processes and the ongoing challenges following injury. The impacts affect physical, psychological, and occupational aspects, making it difficult to return to their former way of living, while also leading to consequences that render survivors a burden to their families. The study aimed to 1) describe the adaptive perspectives of adult road traffic accident survivors in Northeast Thailand and 2) explore the caregiving roles and forms of support provided by spousal caregivers and healthcare team members of road traffic accident survivors. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted from November 2024 to July 2025 with 23 participants, including survivors, spousal caregivers, and an interdisciplinary healthcare team comprising nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, and social workers, representing diverse professional roles in the care and support of survivors. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. 

Four key themes were identified: 1) Acceptance, belonging, and resilience; 2) Overcoming burden through the pursuit of independence; 3) Spousal encouragement for strength and healing; and 4) Acceptance, hope, and practical support as facilitators of adaptation. The study advances understanding of the adaptive journey of road traffic accident survivors, highlighting the development of acceptance, a sense of belonging, and resilience. Spousal caregivers and interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including nurses, play a central role in supporting survivors through coordinated, culturally sensitive, and family-oriented care, through sustained engagement, psychosocial support, and effective interdisciplinary communication.