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Published on: January 30, 2018
Quality Appraisal of Systematic Reviews for Behavioral Treatments of Attention Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury
Jane Roitsch1, Rachael Redman, Anne M P Michalek
1Department of Communication Disorders & Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
Objective:
This review appraised the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) to summarize research on behavioral interventions for attention disorders in persons with traumatic brain injury.
Methods:
A search of 7 databases revealed 15 MAs/SRs reporting outcomes for attention treatments in traumatic brain injury. Two examiners independently coded the quality of reviews with the Critical Appraisal of Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis and the Evidence in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systematic Review Scale.
Results:
The findings of both scales were highly correlated. Four reviews were conducted with high methodologic rigor indicated by a score of 60% or greater on both scales. No other study scored above 45%. Among the well-conducted SRs/MAs, evidence for direct attention training effects was limited to basic attention exercises, with little generalization to functional activities. Strategy training for activities and tasks requiring attentional abilities had a stronger evidence base in 1 rigorous MA.
Conclusions:
This appraisal provides valuable practice information. The conclusions of 4 rigorous reviews suggest that there is only limited positive scientific support for the effects of attention treatments for traumatic brain injury. Future SRs/MAs would benefit from adherence to review guidelines.
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