The effectiveness of collaborative models of care that facilitate rehabilitation from a traumatic injury: a systematic review protocol

Review question and objective

What is the effectiveness of collaborative care models in facilitating rehabilitation of a traumatic injury? The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of collaborative care models in relation to traumatic injury rehabilitation.

Background

Trauma is the most frequent cause of significant functional impairment and mortality that leads to the deterioration in health and a delayed functional and psychosocial recovery.^{1, 2} The unmet rehabilitation needs can prolong discharge, limit one's activities and restrict participation, decrease quality of life and increase dependence on significant others. ³ Trauma has socioeconomic implications that have a significant impact on the cost of healthcare related to lost economic opportunity and the costs burden of rehabilitation. ² In fact, in 2000–2001 Australia spent $4 billion on trauma survivors. ⁴ As such, for those who sustain traumatic injuries, effective rehabilitation is critical to regain both function and independence to ensure a quality of life. Effective interventions that are developmentally appropriate are in need of justification.