Presentation – CVC2026-653

Children with disabilities’ views and experiences of engaging with the health sector: Scoping review

Kate Freire, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Kathryn Crowe, Charles Sturt University, Australia; University of Iceland, Iceland

Suzanne C. Hopf, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Sharynne McLeod, Children’s Voices Centre, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Cyrena Hunt-Madden, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Kristen Andrews, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Mehdi Rassafiani, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Natalie Ellis, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Cherie Zischke, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Lindsay Smith, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Lysa Dealtry, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Sarah Verdon, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Claudio Dionigi, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Mélanie Gréaux, World Health Organization, Switzerland

Background: Children with disabilities, including those with chronic health conditions, are more likely to need to engage regularly with health services than other child populations. It is currently unclear which populations of children with disabilities have been asked about their experiences of engaging with the sector and what methods have been used to ensure that children’s voices have been heard.

Aim: This review aimed to determine which populations of children with disabilities have been involved in research seeking their perspectives on health services and which methods have been used.

Method/approach: A systematic search of relevant databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2025 were included based on eligibility criteria. Data were tabulated and mapped according to key charting categories, and a content analysis of key themes of child voice findings was completed.

Results/findings: 10388 records were identified for screening; 63 reports from 59 studies were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-two percent (n=13) of the included studies investigated children’s perspectives in low-to-middle-income countries. Fifty-eight studies conducted interviews or focus groups with children, but only 38% (n=22) of those studies reported additional activities to support children’s voices as part of their methodology, such as artmaking, photo-elicitation, or role play. Key themes from a content analysis of child voices and experiences with the health sector will also be presented.

Conclusion: It is now over thirty years since the release of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has increased awareness of the importance of hearing from children on issues that affect them. This review maps what children with disabilities say about their experiences with the health sector and highlights the need for health research to be conducted in ways that support children’s voices.

Implications for children and families: This work maps what children with disabilities have told researchers about health centres and health professionals, such as doctors and nurses. The results can be used to improve the healthcare of children with disabilities.

Implications for practitioners: This work summarises what children with disabilities have said about accessing healthcare. The results can be used to improve children with disabilities experiences with healthcare and allow practitioners to gain a greater understanding of children’s experiences.

Funding: This research was supported by Charles Sturt University’s Children’s Voices Centre

Keywords: children’s voices, health, disability

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: