A systematic review of psychological interventions to alleviate cognitive and psychosocial problems in children with acquired brain injury

Ross, K. A., Dorris, L. and McMillan, T. (2011) A systematic review of psychological interventions to alleviate cognitive and psychosocial problems in children with acquired brain injury. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 53(8), pp. 692-701. (doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03976.x)

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Abstract

Aim  It is now generally accepted that paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) can have an impact on a child’s cognitive, social, and behavioural functioning. However, the lack of guidelines on effective interventions for the affected children and their families, particularly beyond the acute recovery phase, can limit access to effective support. We provide a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of psychological interventions aimed at alleviating cognitive and psychosocial outcomes after paediatric ABI. Method  The search used the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and EBSCO databases and hand searches of key journals. Nine studies met inclusion criteria: five intervention studies of cognitive outcome and four of psychosocial outcome. Effect sizes and methodological quality ratings were calculated using specific criteria. Results  Only two of the nine studies were rated as high quality. There was limited evidence for effective interventions for cognitive outcomes (attention, memory, and learning difficulties). For psychosocial outcomes, there was evidence that interventions can alleviate internalizing symptoms. Interpretation  Although there are some encouraging findings, there is a need for further, more rigorously designed, and better controlled research in this important area. We discuss how future research may consider issues such as age-appropriate interventions, the delivery format, and optimum post-injury timing of interventions, as well as multicentre collaborations.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McMillan, Professor Tom and Dorris, Professor Liam
Authors: Ross, K. A., Dorris, L., and McMillan, T.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
Publisher:Mac Keith Press
ISSN:0012-1622
ISSN (Online):1469-8749
Published Online:18 April 2011

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