Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jul 7, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 30, 2025
Strengthening Undergraduate Medical Education for Inclusive Healthcare: A Scoping Review Protocol on Training for the Care of People with Down Syndrome and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Medical Schools
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Health discrimination represents a significant issue, particularly affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down Syndrome (DS). Despite advances, gaps persist in healthcare professionals' training for caring for this population. Medical education constitutes a crucial component in addressing these disparities and promoting inclusive care, especially through practical experiences for future physicians.
Objective:
Objectives: To map and synthesize evidence regarding medical education for the care of individuals with DS and other IDDs in medical schools, identifying gaps and opportunities for enhancement in curricula and educational programs, including pedagogical strategies and experiential learning opportunities.
Methods:
Methods:
A scoping review following the methodological frameworks of Arksey and O'Malley, Levac et al., and the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search will be conducted in electronic databases and grey literature, utilizing descriptors in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Study selection will be performed by two independent reviewers, following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a standardized form and synthesized narratively, with qualitative (thematic) and descriptive quantitative analyses, where appropriate. This protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) with DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z5MDB.
Results:
Expected
Results:
A comprehensive overview of current medical education regarding the care of individuals with DS and IDD, identifying gaps and opportunities for enhancement in curricula and educational programs that can inform the development of more effective and inclusive interventions.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: This review will address an important gap in the literature, providing insights for the improvement of medical education and clinical practice in caring for individuals with DS and IDD, contributing to the development of more capable and empathetic professionals. Clinical Trial: Trial Registration: Open Science Framework (OSF) and its DOI is: 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z5MDB.
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Copyright
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