The Views and Experiences of Families and Registered Nurses Regarding Hospital Care and Support of Children With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Children with intellectual disabilities experience poorer health outcomes and persistent inequities in hospital care. No previous review has integrated perspectives of families, registered nurses (RNs), nursing students and nurse educators to examine how family partnerships, workforce preparation and clinical practice intersect. This review synthesises evidence on hospital care and support for children with intellectual disabilities.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO and Embase) were searched from inception to October 2025. Study quality was appraised using the MMAT.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included, generating five themes: the significance of communication, partnership and family empowerment, environmental and systemic barriers, the role of education and professional development and emotional and psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving hospital care requires effective communication, meaningful family partnerships, supportive environments and reasonable adjustments, greater professional preparedness and emotional support. No eligible studies explored nursing students' or nurse educators' perspectives, revealing an evidence gap.