Information interventions for recovery following vehicle-related trauma to persons of working age: a systematic review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
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?"


METHODS
Ovid Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published between 1990-April 2011.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Institute for Safety Compensation and Recovery Research, Monash University, 499 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. Fiona.Clay@monash.edu
Fiona J
FJ
Clay
Alex
A
Collie
Roderick J
RJ
McClure
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology