Self-management interventions to improve skin care for pressure ulcer prevention in people with spinal cord injuries: a systematic review protocol

Systematic Reviews, 2016 · DOI: 10.1186/s13643-016-0323-4 · Published: August 22, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Dermatology

Simple Explanation

Pressure ulcers are a common and costly complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), which community-dwelling individuals with SCI can prevent through appropriate skin care. However, adherence to skin care is often suboptimal. This review aims to understand self-management interventions designed to improve skin care in people with SCI regarding their content, effectiveness and theoretical basis. The review will synthesize existing literature using electronic searches of databases and manual searches of reference lists. Intervention content will be coded using behavior change and self-management support taxonomies. The review will also assess the theoretical basis of interventions and adherence to reporting guidelines. The results of this systematic review will help to identify research gaps and priorities for improving skin care and preventing pressure ulcers in people with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

People with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Systematic review protocol

Key Findings

1
The systematic review aims to identify active ingredients included in self-management interventions targeting skin care in people with a SCI.
2
The review will examine the extent to which self-management interventions for skin care in people with a SCI are theory-based.
3
The review will assess how effective self-management interventions are for skin care in people with a SCI and what the quality of this evidence is.

Research Summary

This systematic review aims to review the literature on self-management interventions to improve skin care in people with a SCI and to address the key elements that are important in advancing self-management in SCI. The review will describe these interventions with regard to the active ingredients they include and their effectiveness. The proposed review of SCI self-management interventions for pressure ulcer prevention holds the potential to inform practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers.

Practical Implications

Informing Practice

The review will provide practitioners with insights into effective self-management strategies for pressure ulcer prevention.

Guiding Research

The identification of research gaps and priorities will help direct future research efforts in this area.

Policy Development

The review's findings can inform the development of policies aimed at improving the quality of care and support for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Only peer-reviewed studies published in English will be included.
2
Unpublished data, abstracts, and conference proceedings will not be included.
3
Studies including no primary evaluation data (e.g. protocols, editorials, systematic reviews) will also be excluded, as well as studies presenting qualitative data only.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury