Peer support interventions for individuals with acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida: a systematic review

BackgroundNeurological disorders may negatively impact community integration and/or quality of life. Peer support has emerged as a potential strategy to enhance patients' efficacy in managing their own health. This review examines the key characteristics and impact of peer support interventions for adults with acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida on community integration and quality of life.MethodsEligible studies reported on peer support interventions for adults (16years of age or older) with acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida. Only randomized controlled trials published in English in the last 10years were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were used to conduct the literature search. Two reviewers independently screened studies, abstracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias (for individual study elements and overall) using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.ResultsThe systematic review included 6 trials reporting on acquired brain injury only. Of these studies, 4 reported on stroke and 2 reported on traumatic brain injury. Two studies found significant improvements in quality of life following peer support. No studies reported significant results on community integration. Considerable heterogeneity existed in the key characteristics of interventions.ConclusionsThere are a limited number of studies on the impact of peer support interventions for adults with acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida on community integration and quality of life. Standardization of key intervention characteristics may aid the global adoption of peer support as a formalized, evidence-based practice.