A scoping review to inform care coordination strategies for youth with traumatic brain injuries: Care coordination tools

Abstract

Introduction & importance

Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) report unmet needs several years after their injury and may require long-term care. However, this chronic health condition is often only treated and monitored in the short-term. Care for young persons with TBI often relies on parents to manage their child's complex care network. Effective care coordination can close these gaps and facilitate continuity of care for children with TBI. The purpose of this scoping review was to develop a better understanding of tools that improve care coordination for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). This, in turn, can inform care for children with TBI.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA framework and methodology. OVID/Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and ERIC databases were searched for articles relevant to care coordination tools used with CSHCN.

Results

21 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review, and 6 major categories of care coordination tools were identified: telehealth, online health records and tools, care plans, inpatient discharge protocols, family training, and reminders.

Discussion

Studies examining telehealth, online tools, care plans, and family training care coordination interventions for CSHCN have shown positive outcomes and would be relevant strategies to improve the care of children with TBI. Future prospective research should investigate these tools to explore whether they might improve communication, reduce unmet needs, increase service access, and improve long-term outcomes for children with TBI.