A systematic review of self-management interventions for children and youth with physical disabilities. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindsay, Sally; Kingsnorth, Shauna; Mcdougall, Carolyn; Keating, Heather
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 36:Number 4(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.785605
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

<abstract> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <italic>Purpose</italic>: Evidence shows that effective self-management behaviors have the potential to improve health outcomes, quality of life, self-efficacy and reduce morbidity, emergency visits and costs of care. A better understanding of self-management interventions (i.e. programs that help with managing symptoms, treatment, physical and psychological consequences) is needed to achieve a positive impact on health because most children with a disability now live well into adulthood. <italic>Method</italic>: A systematic review of self-management interventions for school age youth with physical disabilities was undertaken to assess their effectiveness. Comprehensive electronic searches using international web-based reference libraries were conducted for peer-reviewed and gray literature published between 1980 and January 2012. Eligible studies examined the effectiveness of self-management interventions for children and youth between 6 and 18 years of age with congenital or acquired physical disabilities. Studies needed to include a comparison group (e.g. single group pre/post-test design) and at least one quantifiable health-related outcome. <italic>Results</italic>: Of the 2184 studies identified, six met the inclusion criteria; two involved youth with spina bifida and four with juvenile arthritis. The majority of the interventions ran several sessions for at least 3 months by a trained interventionist or clinician, had one-to-one sessions and meetings, homework activities and parental involvement. Although outcomes varied between the studies, all of the interventions reported at least one significant improvement in either overall self-management skills or a specific health behavior. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: While self-management interventions have the potential to improve health behaviors, there were relatively few rigorously designed studies identified. More studies are needed to document the outcomes of self-management interventions, especially their most effective characteristics for children and youth with physical disabilities.<list list-type="bullet"><title>Implications for Rehabilitation</title><list-item><p>There is some evidence to suggest that self-management interventions for children and youth with spina bifida and arthritis can improve self-management behaviors and health outcomes.</p></list-item><list-item><p>Parents' involvement should be considered in encouraging self-management behaviors at different stages of their child's development.</p></list-item><list-item><p>Much work is needed to explore the longer term implications of self-management interventions for youth with physical disabilities as well as the impact on health care utilization.</p></list-item></list></p> </abstract>