Summary table of included studies.

Background
Community-based peer support (CBPS) groups have been effective in facilitating access to and retention in the healthcare system for patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and other communicable and non-communicable diseases. Given the high incidence of morbidity that results from traumatic injuries, and the barriers to reaching and accessing care for injured patients, community-based support groups may prove to be similarly effective in this population.
Objectives
The objective of this review is to identify the extent and impact of CBPS for injured patients.
Eligibility
We included primary research on studies that evaluated peer-support groups that were solely based in the community. Hospital-based or healthcare-professional led groups were excluded.
Evidence
Sources were identified from a systematic search of Medline / PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection.
Charting methods
We utilized a narrative synthesis approach to data analysis.
Results
4,989 references were retrieved; 25 were included in final data extraction. There was a variety of methodologies represented and the groups included patients with spinal cord injury (N = 2), traumatic brain or head injury (N = 7), burns (N = 4), intimate partner violence (IPV) (N = 5), mixed injuries (N = 5), torture (N = 1), and brachial plexus injury (N = 1). Multiple benefits were reported by support group participants; categorized as social, emotional, logistical, or educational benefits.
Conclusions
Community-based peer support groups can provide education, community, and may have implications for retention in care for injured patients.