Thesis
Predictors associated with functional outcome in older adults with brain injury: a systematic review
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Apr 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001585
Abstract
Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. In persons aged 65 and older, TBI is responsible for more than 80,000 emergency department visits each year. Today, older adults aged 65 and older living account for more than 46 million of the U.S. population; by 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million. Research indicates that older adults have poorer outcomes than their younger counterparts after TBI and that the severity of the TBI is positively associated with the severity of functional impairment. However, other factors predicting daily functional outcomes in older adults after TBI are unclear. This systematic review seeks to synthesize the existing literature to identify factors associated with TBI functional outcomes in older adults. A comprehensive understanding of these factors and associations will better inform geriatric-based care, management, and treatment pathways to maximize favorable functional outcome in this growing population. Methods: Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses- Checklist and Flowchart (PRISMA) guidelines and Covidence for management, 675 studies were screened and 14 were selected based on inclusion criteria. The following databases were used to identify studies published from January 2011 to December 2021: Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. Only original research articles were included. The strengths and weaknesses of the studies included were also evaluated. Results: Key predictors found to be associated with functional outcome were the presence of comorbid conditions, older age, injury severity, and gender/sex. Other significant predictors of interest were emotional function and post-head injury complaints. Discussion: Older adults with greater injury severity, a higher number of comorbid conditions, female gender/sex, increasing age, or more physical or emotional complaints are at risk of unfavorable outcomes after TBI and may benefit from further screening and interventions to maximize functional outcome. Limitations in evidence include selection bias and retrospective data collection. Further research is warranted in this area with larger studies to contribute towards the formulation of geriatric-specific TBI guidelines for better management.
Metrics
43 File views/ downloads
33 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Predictors associated with functional outcome in older adults with brain injury
- Creators
- Sophia Lopes
- Contributors
- Maria Teresa Schultheis (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ii, 40 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991020340612904721