Impact of quality improvement strategies on the quality of life and well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review protocol

After a spinal cord injury, individuals often experience motor, sensory, and autonomic impairments, leading to various secondary health complications. These complications can significantly impact their quality of life, including long-term health, employment, social participation, and independence. This systematic review aims to identify and assess the impact of quality improvement strategies on the quality of life, physical health, and psychological well-being of people with spinal cord injuries. Quality improvement strategies include self-management, patient education, and clinical reminders. The review will examine studies that evaluate quality improvement strategies targeted at health systems, healthcare professionals, or patients. The ultimate goal is to identify strategies that can reduce inappropriate healthcare utilization and improve the long-term care for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

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  The systematic review will identify quality improvement strategies aimed at the health system, health-care professionals, and patients that impact the quality of life and well-being of individuals with a spinal cord injury.
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  Knowledge and application of such quality improvement strategies may reduce inappropriate health-care utilization costs, such as acute care inpatient readmission in the years post injury.
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  The review will summarize results according to the target group of QI strategies and other noteworthy grouping variables, potentially using meta-analysis if appropriate.