Education on the consequences of traumatic brain injury for children and adolescents with TBI and families/caregivers: a systematic scoping review.

OBJECTIVE(S)

To examine the breadth of education or training on the consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for children and adolescents with TBI and their families/caregivers.

METHODS

Systematic scoping review of literature published through July 2018 using eight databases and education, training, instruction, and pediatric search terms. Only studies including pediatric participants (age <18) with TBI or their families/caregivers were included. Six independent reviewers worked in pairs to review abstracts and full-text articles independently, and abstracted data using a REDCap database.

RESULTS

Forty-two unique studies were included in the review. Based on TBI injury severity, 24 studies included persons with mild TBI (mTBI) and 18 studies focused on moderate/severe TBI. Six studies targeted the education or training provided to children or adolescents with TBI. TBI education was provided primarily in the emergency department or outpatient/community setting. Most studies described TBI education as the main topic of the study or intervention. Educational topics varied, such as managing TBI-related symptoms and behaviors, when to seek care, family issues, and returning to work, school, or play.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this scoping review may guide future research and intervention development to promote the recovery of children and adolescents with TBI.