Hand therapy interventions, outcomes, and diagnoses evaluated over the last 10 years: A mapping review linking research to practice.

STUDY DESIGN: Mapping review.

INTRODUCTION: Although published literature and evidence to support medical practice is becoming more abundant, it is not known how well available evidence supports the full spectrum of hand therapy practice.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this mapping review was to identify strengths and/or gaps in the available literature as compared with the hand therapy scope of practice to guide future research.

METHODS: A systematic search and screening was conducted to identify evidence published from 2006 to 2015. Descriptive data from 191 studies were extracted, and the diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes used in the literature were compared with the hand therapy scope of practice.

RESULTS: Osteoarthritis, tendon surgeries, and carpal tunnel syndrome were most frequently studied. Exercise, education, and orthotic interventions were most common, each used in more than 100 studies; only 12 studies used activity-based interventions. Primary outcome measures included range of motion, pain/symptoms, strength, and functional status.

DISCUSSION: Abundant high-quality research exists for a portion of the hand therapy scope of practice; however, there is a paucity of evidence for numerous diagnoses and interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: More evidence is needed for complex diagnoses and activity-based interventions as well as behavioral and quality-of-care outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.