Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Unmet healthcare needs are a key indicator of equitable access in a quality healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to summarize the literature in relation to prevalence and types of unmet healthcare needs amongst adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. A second aim was to understand reasons for, and factors associated, with unmet healthcare needs in order to provide actionable knowledge for policy and service decision-makers on how best to improve access to healthcare for this population.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of electronic databases (n=5) was undertaken. Studies were included if they had an observational design, involved adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and focused on unmet medical, psychological, dental, and/or allied health needs. Papers were independently screened at both title/abstract and at full text stages. Nineteen papers were independently appraised for quality by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Cross Sectional Studies and two papers were excluded at this stage. Data were synthesized descriptively.
Results: Seventeen studies were included in the final analysis. Wide ranging prevalence rates of unmet needs were reported. A lack of consistency in definitions, and the heterogeneity in use of outcome measures precluded quantitative analysis. Ethnicity, age, and the co-occurrence of psychiatric and/or behavioural needs were associated with increased odds of having unmet healthcare needs. Reasons for unmet needs related primarily to health literacy, communication challenges, and perceived attitudinal barriers.
Conclusion: A wide range of unmet healthcare needs were identified amongst adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The heterogeneity across studies limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the prevalence. There is a need for more rigorous research if we are to achieve our policy aim of equitable access to healthcare for all.
Purpose: Unmet healthcare needs are a key indicator of equitable access in a quality healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to summarize the literature in relation to prevalence and types of unmet healthcare needs amongst adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. A second aim was to understand reasons for, and factors associated, with unmet healthcare needs in order to provide actionable knowledge for policy and service decision-makers on how best to improve access to healthcare for this population.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of electronic databases (n=5) was undertaken. Studies were included if they had an observational design, involved adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and focused on unmet medical, psychological, dental, and/or allied health needs. Papers were independently screened at both title/abstract and at full text stages. Nineteen papers were independently appraised for quality by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Cross Sectional Studies and two papers were excluded at this stage. Data were synthesized descriptively.
Results: Seventeen studies were included in the final analysis. Wide ranging prevalence rates of unmet needs were reported. A lack of consistency in definitions, and the heterogeneity in use of outcome measures precluded quantitative analysis. Ethnicity, age, and the co-occurrence of psychiatric and/or behavioural needs were associated with increased odds of having unmet healthcare needs. Reasons for unmet needs related primarily to health literacy, communication challenges, and perceived attitudinal barriers.
Conclusion: A wide range of unmet healthcare needs were identified amongst adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The heterogeneity across studies limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the prevalence. There is a need for more rigorous research if we are to achieve our policy aim of equitable access to healthcare for all.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Journal | Disability and Rehabilitation |
| Publication status | Submitted - 1 Mar 2024 |