Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions on function and satisfaction with occupational performance among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm: a protocol for a systematic review [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Background Functional hand use post injury is important in enabling a person’s engagement in daily living tasks. Without proper treatment, there may be difficulties in self-care, engaging in job roles, or leisure pursuits. Occupational therapists are key health care practitioners for people with upper limb conditions. This systematic review aims to appraise and summarise current evidence regarding effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Methods A systematic review of randomised control trials and quasi randomised controlled trials will be completed. MEDLINE OVID, CINAHL, CENTRAL, COCHRANE, PUBMED and EMBASE databases will be systematically searched. Grey literature will be searched for via Google Scholar. Studies will be included if they include provision of occupational therapy to adults with a hand, wrist, or forearm condition when compared to treatment as usual or an alternative treatment option. The primary outcome will be function. Secondary outcomes will include satisfaction with occupational performance, quality of life, pain experience, and participation. The Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions will be used to categorise outcomes. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework will be utilised to assess quality. A pooled meta-analysis will be completed using RevMan, depending on the uniformity and availability of data. Results This review aims to synthesise high quality evidence to identify the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions with patients with a hand, wrist, or forearm condition, categorising outcomes in relation to the ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions. Conclusions By synthesising the evidence there is potential for improved evidence base for clinicians; improved outcomes for patients; as well as potential economic benefit.