Factors affecting length of hospital stay for children with acquired brain injuries: A review of the literature

Occupational Therapy for Children with Acquired Brain Injury: A Review of the Literature

The aim of this literature review was to examine occupational therapy input for children with acquired brain injury (ABI). Although 3,462 citations were identified by the literature search, only 10 articles met the criteria and were relevant to the review. The studies found that children with ABI had continuing difficulties, post-injury and postdischarge, with motor skills, self-care skills, cognition and behaviour. However, substantial numbers of children with continuing problems did not access therapy, particularly in the year postdischarge.

Occupational therapy is often part of inpatient paediatric rehabilitation, but there is a lack of research investigating the effectiveness of therapy. The review notes the dearth of research and literature in this field and suggests that further research is needed to underpin practice.