Exploring Allied Health Models of Care for Children with Developmental Health Concerns, Delays, and Disabilities in Rural and Remote Areas: A Systematic Scoping Review

Georgia Gosse (), Saravana Kumar, Helen Banwell and Anna Moran
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Georgia Gosse: Innovation Implementation and Clinical Translation, Allied Health and Human Performance Unit, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Saravana Kumar: Innovation Implementation and Clinical Translation, Allied Health and Human Performance Unit, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Helen Banwell: Innovation Implementation and Clinical Translation, Allied Health and Human Performance Unit, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Anna Moran: Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Graham St Shepparton, Melbourne, VIC 3630, Australia

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 4, 1-29

Abstract: Background: Access to appropriate healthcare is essential for children’s healthy development. This is lacking in rural and remote areas, impacting health outcomes. Despite efforts to improve access for these communities, to date, no review has systematically mapped the literature on allied health models of care for children with developmental needs. This scoping review seeks to address this knowledge gap. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, a systematic search was conducted. A total of 8 databases (from inception to May 2023) and 106 grey literature sources were searched. Two reviewers independently undertook a two-stage screening process. Data were extracted using customised tools and narratively synthesised utilising the Institute of Medicine’s quality domains. This review is registered a priori via Open Science Framework. Results: Twenty-five citations were identified within the literature. Varied models of care were reported from five mostly Western countries. Models of care identified in these areas were classified as screening services, role substitution, consultative services, or online-based services. Positive impacts on quality of healthcare were reported across all quality domains (apart from safety) with the domain of effectiveness being the most commonly reported. Conclusions: Multiple models of care are currently in operation for children with developmental needs in rural and remote areas and appear to improve the quality of care. Due to complexities within, and limitations of, the evidence base, it is unclear if one model of care is superior to another. This review provides a basis for further research to explore why some models may be more effective than others.

Keywords: rural and remote; allied health; health services; child health; paediatrics; development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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