Article

Adults who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI) often receive case
(care) management to overcome the difficulties commonly faced negotiating a
number of different health and social care services and systems. Little is known
about the effectiveness of a case management intervention. OBJECTIVE: To examine
the effects of case management for patients with severe head injury on outcome,
family function, and provision of rehabilitation services.
METHODS: Systematic
review methodology. Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Psycbite and OTSeeker)
were searched up to 7/1/2013. A total of 655 articles were screened of which six
met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Study quality was evaluated using
the PEDro scale or AMSTAR checklist dependent on study design. RESULTS: One
systematic review, three controlled trials and two case series reports were
appraised. There was significant clinical heterogeneity between studies and
studies scored poorly on the appraisal checklists. Due to methodological
limitations, there was no clear evidence of effectiveness or ineffectiveness of
case management after brain injury. CONCLUSION: Principal findings are that there
is a paucity of applicable research on case management, and a need to evaluate
the impact of case management on life participation outcomes.

Langue : ANGLAIS