JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In 2009, Gary et al. reviewed prior research examining racial/ethnic differences in outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over the past decade, advances in research and changes in the demographic composition of the United States warrant an updated understanding of racial and ethnic disparities after TBI.

Objective:

A systematic review will be conducted to examine racial and ethnic differences in TBI outcomes from 2009-2023.

Methods:

Preliminary searches and study screening processes will identify relevant English-language articles published from January 2009 through December 2023 using CINAHL, Gale OneFile, PsycINFO (Ovid), and PubMed electronic databases. Relevant articles will include quantitative or mixed-method approaches, individuals with TBI or their caregivers, and compare two or more groups by race or ethnicity on post-TBI outcomes. Quality will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This systematic review protocol was developed following PRISMA-P guidelines.

Results:

Results will be summarized and a subgroup analysis may be conducted based on demographics (e.g., age, gender or sex). This systematic review is anticipated to be completed by August 2024, and its findings will be disseminated to the scientific community, persons with TBI, caregivers, and the lay audience.

Conclusions:

This systematic review will advance our understanding regarding outcome disparities among minoritized individuals with TBI, examine progress over the past decade in minimizing barriers encountered by these racial/ethnic groups, and provide professionals with a roadmap illustrating existing gaps in rehabilitation care, making way for further development and implementation of evidence-based interventions to improve health equity in TBI outcomes.