A systematic literature review of the quality of evidence for injury and rehabilitation interventions in humanitarian crises.
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ABSTRACT: Introduction
Humanitarian crises continue to pose a significant threat to health; the United Nations estimates that 144 million people are directly affected by conflict or environmental disasters. During most humanitarian crises, surgical and rehabilitative interventions remain a priority.Objectives
This review assessed the quality of evidence that informs injury and physical rehabilitation interventions in humanitarian crises.Methods
Peer-reviewed and grey literature sources were assessed in a systematic manner. Selected papers were evaluated using quality criteria based on a modified version of the STROBE protocol.Results
46 papers met the inclusion criteria. 63 % of the papers referred to situations of armed conflict, of which the Yugoslav Wars were the most studied crisis context. 59 % of the studies were published since the year 2000. However, only two studies were considered of a high quality.Conclusions
While there is now a greater emphasis on research in this sector, the volume of evidence remains inadequate given the growing number of humanitarian programmes worldwide. Further research is needed to ensure a greater breadth and depth of understanding of the most appropriate interventions in different settings.
SUBMITTER: Smith J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4636531 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
A systematic literature review of the quality of evidence for injury and rehabilitation interventions in humanitarian crises.
Smith James J Roberts Bayard B Knight Abigail A Gosselin Richard R Blanchet Karl K
International journal of public health 20150823 7
<h4>Introduction</h4>Humanitarian crises continue to pose a significant threat to health; the United Nations estimates that 144 million people are directly affected by conflict or environmental disasters. During most humanitarian crises, surgical and rehabilitative interventions remain a priority.<h4>Objectives</h4>This review assessed the quality of evidence that informs injury and physical rehabilitation interventions in humanitarian crises.<h4>Methods</h4>Peer-reviewed and grey literature sou ...[more]
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