The Optimal Service for Children and Young People With Complex Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Findings From an Integrative Literature Review

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) for Ireland, New Zealand and Finland and a manual search of policy and professional guidelines for Ireland 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) Person-centred, (ii) Empowering, (iii) Evidence-based, (iv) Accountable, and (v) Safe. 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. Currently there is a discord between this vision and the realities of service delivery 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.