EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
The Efficacy of Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Cullen, N., Chundamala, J., et al.
(2007).
Brain Injury, 21(2), 113-132.
Indicators of Review Quality:
|
The review addresses a clearly focused question
| No |
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Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided
| Yes |
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Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication
| No |
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Included studies are assessed for study quality
| Yes |
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Quality assessments are reproducible
| Yes |
Description: This is a review of research studies pertaining to the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury, the majority of which resulted from traumatic brain injury. Although the review does not directly address speech-language pathology treatments, it includes cognitive, neurobehavioral and comprehensive interdisciplinary programs and investigates the impact of service delivery (e.g. intensity, setting) on functional outcomes.
Question(s) Addressed:
Question not specifically stated.
Population: Individuals with acquired brain injury
Intervention/Assessment: Any treatment or intervention related to the rehabilitation of acquired brain injury.
Number of Studies Included: Not stated
Years Included: 1980- 2005
Findings:
Conclusions:
Service Delivery
Dosage
General Findings
There is limited evidence that early rehabilitation is associated with better cognitive outcomes at discharge. However, improved cognitive outcomes did not appear to be affected by treatment intensity.
The authors concluded that higher intensity inpatient rehabilitation resulted in better short term outcomes, but "these differences gradually reduced over time" (p. 120).
Setting
General Findings - There is limited evidence that community-based social and behavioral rehabilitation of at least six months results in "greater independence, higher social activity levels, and less need for care support" (p. 125).
Keywords: Brain Injury, Service Delivery Models, Cognition
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Added to Compendium: March 2012