BMC health services research
Patient-centered access to mental health care at selected life-course stages: a scoping review using the Levesque framework
By Cwik JC, Hess M, Kardys C and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
The Levesque patient-centered access framework links five service dimensions with five corresponding population abilities, from recognizing need to engaging with care. We synthesized its substantive applications to mental-health access among pregnant and postpartum people, children and adolescents aged 0-17 years, and adults aged 65 years or older.
Methods
We conducted a framework-guided scoping review with descriptive evidence mapping and narrative synthesis. Four Elicit reports supported semantic retrieval, preliminary screening, and draft extraction; PubMed and Web of Science searches supplemented identification through 1 August 2026. One reviewer determined eligibility, evidence roles, and framework coding; a second independently checked extracted data against full texts. Two reviewers independently appraised empirical studies and reviews using MMAT 2018 and the JBI review checklist. Direct population-specific evidence was distinguished from adjacent and contextual sources. Reporting was guided by PRISMA-ScR and GAMER.