What is a meaningful life for persons with acquired neurological impairments? A scoping review protocol

PLOS ONE, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269125 · Published: June 16, 2022

Mental Health Neurorehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

A neurological injury or disease can significantly alter a person's life and the lives of their family. Rehabilitation efforts should consider what makes life meaningful to the patient to better align with their desires and needs. It's important to understand what aspects of life are commonly seen as meaningful by those with neurological impairments. Currently, there's a lack of clear understanding and agreement on what constitutes a 'meaningful life' in this context. This study aims to review existing research to understand what constitutes a meaningful life for adults with neurological impairments. This will involve systematically identifying, reviewing, and synthesizing international research.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Persons > 18 years with an acquired neurological impairment

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The scoping review aims to identify how a meaningful life is perceived by adults with acquired neurological impairments.
2
The review will consider studies conducted in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, primary care, long-term care institutions, at home, in the municipalities, or other care facilities.
3
The scoping review will cluster persons with different illnesses and diseases using the broad term "neurological impairment".

Research Summary

This scoping review aims to explore what constitutes a meaningful life for adults who have experienced acquired neurological impairments due to injury or disease. The review will use a systematic approach to identify, retrieve, review, and synthesize international research on the topic, considering various study designs and settings. The results of this review will be disseminated at rehabilitation conferences and used to consolidate the work of the West Danish Knowledge Centre on Neuro Rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Informed Rehabilitation

The findings can help healthcare professionals better understand what aspects of life are most meaningful to individuals with neurological impairments, enabling more targeted and effective rehabilitation strategies.

Improved Patient Engagement

By understanding patients' perspectives, rehabilitation programs can be adjusted to better align with their wishes, hopes, and needs, potentially leading to increased patient motivation and engagement.

Future Research

The scoping review may highlight gaps in the existing literature and inspire further research within the neurological field on meaningful life.

Study Limitations

1
The review may compare persons with very different disabilities, due to using the broad term "neurological impairment".
2
Studies will be excluded if they describe a meaningful life from the perspective of children younger than 18 years.
3
Studies published in other languages than English or Scandinavian will be excluded.

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