Case Management for Children and Adolescents with Acquired Brain Injury in Community Settings: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Acquired brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in children after infancy. Childhood brain injury has long-term consequences for children and parents, including challenges with returning to school, ongoing health and behaviour concerns, family functioning and demands on carers. Community-based case management interventions are a vital contribution to community supports.Aims: This scoping study aims to scope and map the literature on case management, to identify how case management is described in the literature for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (0–17 years).Methods: A scoping review was completed of published articles on case management from four major databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMed and Embase) between 2005 and 2015. Articles were selected against inclusion criteria and reviewed.Results: Eight articles of 2688 records met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Case management was provided by case managers and other health professionals. The case management interventions described were mapped to the International Classification of Health Interventions and the Brain Injury Case Management Taxonomy (BICM-T). Case management addressed a range of needs including return to school, family issues and ongoing medical needs. There were anecdotal reports of effectiveness of case management during the return to school process.Conclusion: This scoping study reveals a lack of information on this topic. Improved reporting of case management interventions and more research on case management is needed for children and adolescents with brain injury.