A scoping review of medication self-management intervention tools to support persons with traumatic spinal cord injury

PLOS ONE, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284199 · Published: April 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Pharmacology

Simple Explanation

This review examines existing tools and programs designed to help adults with spinal cord injuries manage their medications effectively. People with SCI often take many medications, but few resources are available to help them manage this complex task. The review found very few studies on medication self-management specifically for people with SCI. The identified interventions included a mobile app and education-based programs focusing on general self-management, medication knowledge, or pain management. The authors suggest that future interventions should be designed with input from people with SCI, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. These interventions should also consider the broader challenges of medication management in daily life.

Study Duration

6 Weeks to 3 Months

Participants

Varies across 3 studies (n=20, n=207, n=109): Adults with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Scoping Review

Key Findings

1
There is a lack of literature on medication self-management interventions specifically designed for adults with traumatic SCI.
2
The identified interventions included a mobile app (SCI Storylines) and two education-based programs (Educational Medication Management Program, Pain Management Program for SCI).
3
Only one intervention was co-developed with patients, caregivers, and clinicians, highlighting a gap in end-user involvement in intervention design.

Research Summary

This scoping review aimed to identify and summarize existing literature on medication self-management interventions for adults with traumatic SCI. The review identified only three relevant studies, highlighting a significant gap in research and targeted support for this population. The authors emphasize the need for future interventions to be co-designed with end-users and to comprehensively address the multifaceted aspects of medication self-management.

Practical Implications

Co-Design Interventions

Involve persons with SCI, caregivers, and healthcare providers in the design of medication self-management interventions to ensure relevance and applicability.

Comprehensive Approach

Develop interventions that address all areas of self-management related to medications, including knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and integration into daily life.

Further Research

Conduct more research, including qualitative and mixed-methods studies, to understand the effectiveness of interventions and the experiences of individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Exclusion of opinion pieces, conference abstracts, and study protocols may have resulted in missed relevant articles.
2
The search strategy was limited to traumatic SCI, potentially excluding interventions specific to non-traumatic SCI.
3
Self-management is not consistently defined, potentially leading to missed articles due to variations in terminology.

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