The purpose of this protocol is to set out the steps for a scoping review to identify and describe how peer-reviewed literature characterises person-centred care for children and adults with disabilities living in residential services. The scoping review findings will inform a potential update of the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities in Ireland. 

HIQA has statutory responsibility for setting standards for health and social services. In 2013, HIQA published National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities. Since then, there have been significant legislative advancements, with an increased focus on a human-rights based approach to care, including the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD) in 2018 and the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. 

This protocol sets out the detailed steps planned for conducting this scoping review, and includes search strategies and screening, data charting, and data analysis and presentation methodologies.