Barriers and facilitators to implementing children’s rights in healthcare settings: a systematic literature review

Background: Children are considered one of the most vulnerable groups in society. It is increasingly recognised that children’s views should be taken into account not only in relation to their healthcare treatment, but also with regard to all relevant emotional, physical, and social requirements. However, there is a lack of knowledge with regards to children’s rights in healthcare sectors. Aim: The aim of this review was to explore the empirical evidence-base on health professionals' understanding of children’s rights. Methods: The search was conducted in May 2022 using five electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and the Web of Science. The study used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), which appraises the credibility, objectivity, and significance of the included studies. The search was limited to studies published from 1998 to May 2022 underpinned by the rationale that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was established in 1998. Results: In total, 301 articles were screened which resulted in 12 studies being included in the narrative synthesis. Numerous barriers to the implementation of children’s rights in healthcare were highlighted including limited and incorrect knowledge about children's law, labour shortages, insufficient time, language barriers and parental influences. Provision of training for healthcare professionals on children's rights, and clear guidelines are required to assess the rights of children in healthcare settings. In addition, the availability of a multi-professional team approach were considered the main facilitator to the implementation of children’s rights in the healthcare context. Conclusion: Through understanding each barrier and facilitator, interventions and policies can be designed to increase healthcare providers' understanding of children's rights. To ensure high-quality care for children, healthcare providers must actively participate in the implementation, and maintenance of children’s rights.