Abstract
Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an increasing public health problem, and persistent symptoms following mTBI have several functional consequences. Understanding the prognosis of a condition is an important component of clinical decision-making and can help to guide prevention of long-term disabilities and to intervene with mTBI patients. Prognosis of chronic symptoms in mTBI has stimulated several empirical primary research papers and many systematic reviews. We aim to integrate these heterogenous factors into a model in order to have a better understanding of such prognostic factors on the development of chronic symptoms.Methods: We will conduct an overview of systematic reviews following steps described in the Cochrane Handbook. We will search for systematic reviews in databases using a search strategy to include articles that review evidence about prognosis of persistent symptoms after an mTBI in the adult population. Two reviewers will independently screen all references and then select eligible reviews based on eligibility criteria. Any disagreements will be discussed by the two reviewers and if consensus is not reached, we will consult a third reviewer. A data extraction grid will be used to extract relevant information. The risk of bias included will be rated using ROBIS tool. Data will be synthesized into a comprehensive conceptual map in order to have a better understanding of the predictor factors that could impact the recovery after mTBI.Discussion: Results will help multiple stakeholders, such as clinicians and rehabilitation program managers, to understand the prognosis of long-term consequences following an mTBI. It could guide stakeholders to recognize predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors of their patients and to invest their time and resources on patients needing the most.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020176676