Peer-supported interventions for people with spinal cord injury (Protocol)

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2024 · DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015942 · Published: December 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Social Support

Simple Explanation

This Cochrane Review protocol aims to assess the effects of peer-supported interventions on quality of life and self-management for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It will compare these interventions with usual care, no intervention, or other supportive approaches. The review will also explore the impact of peer support on health service utilization, secondary health conditions, mood disorders, and social participation among people with SCI. It will also examine any adverse outcomes associated with these interventions. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based practices that can enhance community healthcare for individuals living with SCI by synthesizing high-quality evidence and offering insights into the development and evaluation of peer-supported interventions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adults (≥ 18 years of age) with a diagnosis of SCI

Evidence Level

Systematic Review Protocol

Key Findings

1
The primary objective is to assess the effects of peer-supported interventions on quality of life and self-management compared to control groups in people with SCI.
2
A secondary objective is to assess the effects of peer-supported interventions on health service utilization, secondary health conditions, mood disorders, and social participation compared with control.
3
The review will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-randomised controlled trials (cRCTs), and cross-over RCTs to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Research Summary

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: Primary objective: To assess the eﬀects of peer-supported interventions on quality of life and self-management compared with control (i.e. usual care, no intervention, or other supportive or psychosocial interventions) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Secondary objective: To assess the eﬀects of peer-supported interventions on health service utilisation, secondary health conditions, mood disorders, and social participation compared with control (i.e. usual care, no intervention, or other supportive or psychosocial interventions) in people with SCI, as well as to assess the adverse outcomes of peer-supported interventions in people with SCI. Given that there is an increasing number of studies in this area, a systematic review to comprehensively assess the eﬀects of peer-supported interventions for people with SCI by synthesising high-quality evidence is warranted.

Practical Implications

Improved Quality of Life

Peer-supported interventions may enhance the quality of life for individuals with SCI by providing emotional, appraisal, and informational support.

Enhanced Self-Management

These interventions could improve self-management skills, enabling individuals with SCI to better handle their health and healthcare needs.

Reduced Healthcare Burden

By addressing secondary health conditions and promoting social participation, peer support might reduce the need for frequent clinical/hospital visits.

Study Limitations

1
Variability in peer-supported intervention components
2
Inconsistent findings about specific outcomes like depressive symptoms
3
Lack of systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of peer-supported interventions for people with SCI

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