Information interventions for recovery following vehicle-related trauma to persons of working age: A systematic review of the literature

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.