Work-related Transitions Following Hand Injury: Occupational Therapy Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND.: Occupational therapists who facilitate work-related transitions after hand injury require robust evidence to inform practice.

PURPOSE.: To identify the occupational therapist's contribution to facilitate work-related transitions for persons with hand injuries and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

METHOD.: A systematic search was conducted from 2008 to 2018 to identify articles and doctoral theses published across 14 databases. Data was analysed descriptively.

FINDINGS.: In total, 15 studies from 16 countries (14 high and 2 upper-middle income) were identified. Four strategies to facilitate work-related transitions were identified. Clear differences were evident across country groupings.

IMPLICATIONS.: The paucity of research limits evidence-based practice, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which indicates the need for further research.