The Effectiveness of Community Neurorehabilitation for Persons with an Acquired Brain Injury: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage after birth. ABI from either traumatic or non-traumatic origin is a leading cause of death and long-term disability globally. The impact of an ABI can be cognitive and/ or physical greatly affecting their ability to function independently. With a lack of specialist inpatient rehabilitation facilities and services many of these survivors reside within the community either alone, with family or in residential facilities. Up-to-date evidence is required to indicate which forms of community rehabilitation are most effective in improving cognitive and physical outcomes for survivors. This systematic review aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of community neurorehabilitation services for persons living with an ABI. Methods A systematic review of relevant electronic databases will be undertaken to identify eligible published randomised controlled trials. The PRISMA statement will be used to guide the systematic review. From running the initial search, we aim to submit the paper for publishing within 6 months. This process will be completed using Covidence software. Two reviewers will independently screen the search results and select studies using pre-defined selection criteria, extract data from and assess risk of bias for selected studies. Discussion This systematic review will aim to explore the clinical effectiveness of community neuro-rehabilitation services for persons with an ABI. It plans to review and synthesize the current best available evidence base. A goal of this study is to positively inform ongoing service development within a quality framework. Systematic review registration CRD: CRD42020148604