Nature and extent of intellectual disability nursing research in Ireland: a scoping review to inform health and health service research

Abstract

Objectives: To capture the extent and nature of intellectual disability nursing publications in Ireland.

Design: Scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley approach.

Data sources: Six databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, Embase) were searched along with a web-based search of the eight academic institutions delivering intellectual disability nurse education in Ireland for publications indexed from the earliest available date to the 31 December 2020.

Eligibility criteria: Publications by an academic, practitioner or student working in intellectual disability practice or education in Ireland relating to intellectual disability nursing, care or education.

Data extraction and synthesis: Data pertaining to type of paper/design, authors (academic/professional/student), year, collaboration (national/international), topic/content area and title were extracted from each paper. Data were analysed by two authors using Colorafi and Evans content analysis steps where data was tabulated, and a narrative synthesis undertaken.

Results: The reporting of the review is in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. Database and web-based searching resulting 245 articles meeting the criteria for this review. Through content analysis the 245 articles were mapped onto six themes: supporting inclusion, future planning, aspects of health, interventions, education, professional development and research, and personal and professional accounts of caring.

Conclusions: This review highlights the extent and nature of intellectual disability publications by academic, practitioner or student working in intellectual disability nursing in Ireland together with opportunities for future growth and development. From the findings it is apparent that there is an ongoing need for intellectual disability nurses to define their role across the full trajectory of health provision and to make visible their role in person-family centred support, inclusion, and contributions in health education, health promotion and health management.

Keywords: health policy; organisation of health services; quality in health care.