Orientation and mobility training for partially-sighted older adults using an identification cane: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide an overview of the development, content, feasibility, and effectiveness of existing orientation and mobility training programmes in the use of the identification cane. DATA SOURCES A systematic bibliographic database search in PubMed, PsychInfo, ERIC, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library was performed, in combination with the expert consultation (n = 42; orientation and mobility experts), and hand-searching of reference lists. REVIEW METHODS Selection criteria included a description of the development, the content, the feasibility, or the effectiveness of orientation and mobility training in the use of the identification cane. Two reviewers independently agreed on eligibility and methodological quality. A narrative/qualitative data analysis method was applied to extract data from obtained documents. RESULTS The sensitive database search and hand-searching of reference lists revealed 248 potentially relevant abstracts. None met the eligibility criteria. Expert consultation resulted in the inclusion of six documents in which the information presented on the orientation and mobility training in the use of the identification cane was incomplete and of low methodological quality. CONCLUSION Our review of the literature showed a lack of well-described protocols and studies on orientation and mobility training in identification cane use.