title: Methodology for the systematic reviews on occupational therapy for individuals with work-related injuries and illnesses.
abstract: Systematic reviews of literature relevant to individuals with work-related injuries and illnesses are important to the practice of occupational therapy. This article describes the four questions that served as the focus for the systematic reviews of the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for individuals with work-related injuries and illnesses of the low back; hand, wrist, and forearm; elbow; and shoulder. The article includes the background for the reviews; the process followed for each question, including search terms and search strategy; the databases searched; and the methods used to summarize and critically appraise the literature. The final number of articles included in each systematic review; a summary of the results; the strengths and limitations of the findings; and the implications for practice, education, and research are presented.
authors.affiliation: American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Bethesda, MD, USA. ma@Arbesldeas.com
authors.forename: Marian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arbesman
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lieberman
authors.forename: V Judith
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*