Transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare systems for young people with neurodisability: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background: The transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare is a challenging time for young people with neurodisability. As the prevalence of neurodisability increases, greater numbers of young people will eventually transfer to the adult healthcare system. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of providing quality, transitional care, little is known about how to manage and optimise this process for young people with neurodisability. The objective of this scoping review is to examine and map existing literature related to the transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare systems for young people with neurodisability. Methods: Systematic literature searches of OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science will be conducted from inception to present. A structured iterative search of grey literature will be conducted. This review will consider all study designs examining the transition from child to adult health services in neurodisability. Two reviewers will independently screen each retrieved title and abstract and assess full-text articles against the inclusion criteria to determine eligibility. Data will be extracted and synthesised quantitatively and qualitatively. The process and reporting will follow PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Conclusion: This review will provide a broad and systematically mapped synthesis of the extent and nature of the available published and unpublished literature on transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare systems in neurodisability. The results will be used to determine gaps in the current evidence base in order to prioritise areas for future research.