Citation

Clay FJ, Collie A, McClure RJ. J. Rehabil. Med. 2012; 44(7): 521-533.

Affiliation

Institute for Safety Compensation and Recovery Research, Monash University, 499 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. E-mail: Fiona.Clay@monash.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Foundation for Rehabilitation Information)

DOI

10.2340/16501977-0980

PMID

22674232

Abstract

Objectives: Given the burden associated with vehicle-related trauma, there is interest in time and cost effective methods of providing information to assist recovery. This systematic review aims to address the question: "Do targeted early information interventions improve outcomes following vehicle--related injuries for persons of working age?" Data Sources: Ovid Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published between 1990-April 2011. Data Selection: Included studies were randomized or pseudo--randomized controlled trials of information interventions delivered to working age persons following vehicle-related injuries. Two reviewers independently selected and appraised the studies. Data Synthesis: Sixteen publications (13 primary studies) met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for bias. Hetero-geneity in terms of the information interventions and measured outcomes was encountered. In 4 of the included studies, the intervention was positively associated with at least one outcome reported. Methodological issues limited the conclusions that could be drawn. Conclusion: Following vehicle-related trauma, people often experience difficulties in ongoing functioning. The current evidence neither supports nor fails to support the effectiveness of information interventions in promoting injury recovery. There is a need for larger more methodologically and conceptually rigorous randomized controlled trials that better consider the type and timing of the intervention.

Language: en