Severe neurological impairment (SNI) represents a subset of neurodisability. SNI is a group of disorders of the central nervous system which arise in childhood, resulting in motor impairment, cognitive impairment and medical complexity. Many individuals with SNI rely on life-sustaining technologies to support essential bodily functions and have frequent and intensive interactions with healthcare services. These interactions span community-based care through to secondary or tertiary hospital settings and occur across their lifespan. As a result, a higher level of coordination between providers is required to meet their care needs.

The transition from paediatric to adult healthcare services for young people with SNI is an inherent part of healthcare delivery. Effective transition pathways and defined mechanisms for coordinated care could potentially improve the safety and quality of care, enhance patient outcomes, and support both patients and caregivers.

The Department of Health (DoH) requested that HIQA conduct a health technology assessment (HTA) of the transition to, and organisation of, adult healthcare services for individuals with SNI. The findings of this HTA will provide evidence-based advice to inform decision-making by the Minister of Health and the HSE. The protocol document outlines the evidence synthesis approach that HIQA’s evaluation team will use to complete this piece of work.