Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) have complex therapeutic needs which require tailored models of service delivery.
OBJECTIVE: To profile the characteristics of the optimal service for children with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities in policy and professional guidelines in addition to the empirical literature.
METHODS: An integrative review was conducted. A systematic search of electronic databases (n=4), and a manual search of policy and professional guidelines was completed in October 2023. A total of 18 papers were included in the analysis. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken independently by two researchers.
RESULTS: Five descriptive categories were identified across the dataset: (i) A responsive and accessible service with shared decision-making, (ii) Empowering service users as partners, (iii) Evidence-based interventions and meaningful outcomes, (iv) Team working for an equitable and accountable service, and (v) Do no harm.
CONCLUSIONS: A coherent vision of the optimal services for children and young people with complex NDDs is evident across policy, professional guidelines and empirical literature. There appears to be a discord between this vision and the realities of practice in the Irish healthcare context. Implementation science theories and frameworks have the potential to bridge the research-practice gap and improve services for this vulnerable population.
BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) have complex therapeutic needs which require tailored models of service delivery.
OBJECTIVE: To profile the characteristics of the optimal service for children with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities in policy and professional guidelines in addition to the empirical literature.
METHODS: An integrative review was conducted. A systematic search of electronic databases (n=4), and a manual search of policy and professional guidelines was completed in October 2023. A total of 18 papers were included in the analysis. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken independently by two researchers.
RESULTS: Five descriptive categories were identified across the dataset: (i) A responsive and accessible service with shared decision-making, (ii) Empowering service users as partners, (iii) Evidence-based interventions and meaningful outcomes, (iv) Team working for an equitable and accountable service, and (v) Do no harm.
CONCLUSIONS: A coherent vision of the optimal services for children and young people with complex NDDs is evident across policy, professional guidelines and empirical literature. There appears to be a discord between this vision and the realities of practice in the Irish healthcare context. Implementation science theories and frameworks have the potential to bridge the research-practice gap and improve services for this vulnerable population.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Journal | Advances in Communication and Swallowing |
| Publication status | Submitted - 1 Nov 2024 |
| Event | Joint Committee on Disability Matters debate: Progressing Disability Services Discussion - Dail Eireann Duration: 22 May 2024 → 22 May 2024 https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_disability_matters/2024-05-22/2/ |
