Patient and caregiver characteristics associated with differential use of primary care for children and young people in the UK: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To systematically map evidence to answer the research question: What is the relationship between the characteristics of children and young people (CYP) or their caregivers and primary care service use in the UK, taking into account underlying healthcare needs? DESIGN: Scoping review.

Setting: Primary care.

Eligibility criteria: English-language quantitative or mixed-methods studies published between 2012 and 2022.

Data sources: Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index, and grey literature.

Results: 22 eligible studies were identified, covering general practice (n=14), dental health (n=4), child mental health (MN) services (n=3) and immunisation (n=1). Only eight studies (36%) controlled for variables associated with healthcare need (eg, age, birth weight and long-term conditions). In these, evidence of horizontal inequity in primary care use was reported for CYP living in deprived areas in England, with and without complex needs. Horizontal inequity was also identified in primary care MN referrals for CYP in England identifying as mixed-race, Asian or black ethnicity, compared with their white British peers. No evidence of horizontal inequity was observed, however, in primary care use for CYP in England exposed to parental depression, or for CYP children from low-income households in Scotland. Increasing CYP's age was associated with decreasing primary care use across included studies. No studies were found regarding CYP from Gypsy or Traveller communities, children in care, or those with disabilities or special educational needs.

Conclusions: There is evidence that socioeconomic factors impact on CYP's primary care use, in particular age, ethnicity and deprivation. However, better quality evidence is required to evaluate horizontal inequity in use and address knowledge gaps regarding primary care use for vulnerable CYP populations and the impact of policy and practice related 'supply side' of primary care.

Keywords: Adolescent; Health Equity; Health Services Accessibility; Primary Care.

Figure 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram: associations between children and young people or caregiver characteristics and primary care use.

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of CYP ages included in eligible studies. CYP, children and young people.