Optimising general practice support for autistic adults: a realist review protocol.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare accessibility for neurodivergent populations.
• Autism spectrum disorder and general practice.
• Intellectual disability and healthcare support.

Background:

• Autistic individuals experience higher rates of mental and physical health conditions compared to non-autistic people.
• Barriers in general practice, including communication differences and environmental factors, lead to unmet health needs and lower satisfaction among autistic adults.
• Existing research findings on supporting autistic adults in primary care are not effectively disseminated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanisms, contexts, and outcomes of general practice support for autistic adults throughout their lives.
• To identify how, why, and to what extent general practice supports autistic adults, with or without intellectual disabilities (ID).
• To inform improvements in general practice services for autistic individuals.

Main Methods:

• A realist review, a theory-driven systematic approach, will be employed.
• Extensive searches of electronic databases (e.g., MEDLINE, PsycInfo) and grey literature will be conducted.
• Stakeholders, including autistic individuals and healthcare professionals, will be involved throughout the review process.

Main Results:

• Identification of relevant contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes related to general practice support for autistic adults.
• Development of a programme theory to explain effective support strategies.
• Identification of available resources for general practice to support autistic adults.

Conclusions:

• Findings will guide general practices in implementing helpful service adaptations.
• Guidance will empower autistic individuals to better access necessary support.
• The study aims to enhance access to and engagement with general practice, ultimately improving autistic individuals' health and wellbeing.