Unmet healthcare needs in adults with childhood-onset neurodisabilities: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

PURPOSE: To synthesise the literature regarding prevalence and types of unmet healthcare needs amongst adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) and to summarise the reasons for, and factors associated with these needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: = 17) were independently appraised for quality. Data were synthesised using narrative analysis. Unmet psychological needs were most frequently reported, followed by unmet therapy needs. Disability type, and the co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions increased the odds of having unmet needs, particularly for those from minority groups. Reasons for unmet needs related primarily to barriers at the practitioner level. CONCLUSION: The need to enhance the health literacy competencies of practitioners is highlighted. The use of implementation science theories can advance the development and uptake of health literacy interventions in medical education and healthcare practice.