Emergency Ambulance Healthcare for People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review.
Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities · 2026-07-01 · Scoping review
Abstract
BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities experience a range of barriers when accessing healthcare. Ambulance services are uniquely placed within the healthcare system. Ambulance services are evolving to meet their full potential, with an increased focus on promoting health and tackling health inequalities. In this context it is timely to consider what is the experience of people with intellectual disabilities in relation to emergency ambulance healthcare. METHOD: Scoping review methodology was used to understand the experience of people with intellectual disabilities in relation to emergency ambulance healthcare. RESULTS: Ten records were included in the review. Four core themes were identified: empathy, education, interprofessional working, and capacity and decision making. These themes represent enablers and barriers present for people with intellectual disabilities when accessing emergency ambulance healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: The scoping review has identified a significant gap in the literature, with the experience of people with intellectual disabilities being unknown.