Effective rehabilitation for children and adolescents with brain injury: evaluating and disseminating the evidence.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate literature reviews of the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for children with brain injury.


METHODS
We wrote 6 research summaries, which were evaluated by study participants.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
A convenience sample that included 18 parents of children with brain injury, 18 service providers, and 12 insurance industry representatives.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Questionnaire designed for the evaluation of printed material.


RESULTS
Few articles were found that focused on evaluation of rehabilitation interventions for children with brain injury. Study participants were representative of a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds. Before reading the research summaries, service providers reported greater familiarity with the topics than did parents and insurance representatives. Despite this finding, there were no significant between-group differences in the format, content, and impact ratings provided by the 3 participant groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Research summaries written in a clear, straightforward manner are appropriate for people with different educational and professional backgrounds. Further research into the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions is needed to support informed decision-making that results in the best outcomes for children with brain injury.
Teplicky
Rachel
R
CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. teplicr@mcmaster.ca
Law
Mary
M
Rosenbaum
Peter
P
Stewart
Deb
D
DeMatteo
Carol
C
Rumney
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001905:Botulinum Toxins