Article type
Abstract
Background: This presentation will provide an overview on current evidence synthesis activities within the Disability Coordinating Group (DCG). The DCG aims to (1) increase the number of high-quality systematic reviews (SRs) aimed at improving the quality of life and outcomes of individuals with disabilities; (2) facilitate a network of evidence-synthesis experts to contribute to disability-related SRs; (3) encourage involvement of people with disabilities, their family members, and other stakeholders in the SR process; and (4) facilitate training opportunities for prospective authors. These aims are directly relevant for people with disabilities as an evidence-based approach to rehabilitation, which is emphasized.
Methods: A panel of DCG review authors will share their experiences with the production process and showcase a variety of synthesis products including the traditional SR in addition to an evidence gap map.
Results: The following projects will be highlighted:
•Oral language interventions can improve language outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: This meta-analysis aggregated data from 38 studies documenting the effects of oral language interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The results indicate mild to moderate effects; the research base appears promising yet inconclusive.
•Effectiveness of interventions for improving social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries: an SR:
This project synthesized outcomes from 37 reports on the effectiveness of interventions for improving social inclusion outcomes (acquisition of skills for social inclusion, broad-based social inclusion, and improved relationships) for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
•Interventions for reducing violence against children in LMICs: an evidence and gap map:
The map synthesizes 55 SRs and 97 impact evaluations to document the evidence based on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce violence against children in LMICs. Results reveal that education and life skills are the most targeted intervention areas, followed by income and economic strengthening measures. Few studies examine economic and social outcomes or provide a cost analysis.
Conclusions: The session will conclude with a discussion of future plans towards growing the DCG and increasing its membership base in terms of review authors, advisory board members, and peer reviewers.
Methods: A panel of DCG review authors will share their experiences with the production process and showcase a variety of synthesis products including the traditional SR in addition to an evidence gap map.
Results: The following projects will be highlighted:
•Oral language interventions can improve language outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: This meta-analysis aggregated data from 38 studies documenting the effects of oral language interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The results indicate mild to moderate effects; the research base appears promising yet inconclusive.
•Effectiveness of interventions for improving social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries: an SR:
This project synthesized outcomes from 37 reports on the effectiveness of interventions for improving social inclusion outcomes (acquisition of skills for social inclusion, broad-based social inclusion, and improved relationships) for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
•Interventions for reducing violence against children in LMICs: an evidence and gap map:
The map synthesizes 55 SRs and 97 impact evaluations to document the evidence based on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce violence against children in LMICs. Results reveal that education and life skills are the most targeted intervention areas, followed by income and economic strengthening measures. Few studies examine economic and social outcomes or provide a cost analysis.
Conclusions: The session will conclude with a discussion of future plans towards growing the DCG and increasing its membership base in terms of review authors, advisory board members, and peer reviewers.