The Global Evidence Mapping Initiative: Scoping research in broad topic areas
2011

Global Evidence Mapping Initiative: Research in Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury

Sample size: 129 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bragge Peter, Clavisi Ornella, Turner Tari, Tavender Emma, Collie Alex, Gruen Russell L

Primary Institution: Monash University

Hypothesis

How can evidence mapping identify gaps in research for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?

Conclusion

The GEM Initiative has advanced evidence mapping methods, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement in developing relevant clinical research questions.

Supporting Evidence

  • 129 clinical research questions were generated covering TBI and SCI.
  • 60 of the 129 questions were identified as high priority.
  • 58,263 abstracts screened and 3,731 full-text articles reviewed.

Takeaway

This study helps researchers and doctors find out what we know and what we still need to learn about brain and spinal injuries.

Methodology

The GEM evidence mapping method involved setting boundaries, selecting relevant studies, and reporting on study characteristics.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from stakeholder perspectives in question development.

Limitations

Evidence mapping does not include quality appraisal or synthesis of studies, which limits its use in guiding clinical practice.

Participant Demographics

Stakeholders included patients, carers, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2288-11-92

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