Exploring enablers and barriers to accessing health services after a fall among people with intellectual disability

Abstract

Background Adults with intellectual disability experience high rates of falls making falls prevention an important health need. The purpose of the study was to seek perspectives of older adults with intellectual disability and their caregivers to (a) explore the experiences of older adults with intellectual disability when seeking healthcare services after a fall and (b) identify enablers and barriers when taking up evidence‐based falls recommendations. Method A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken as part of a prospective observational cohort study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample. Data were analysed thematically using Colaizzi's method. Results Seventeen interviews were conducted (n = 21). Emergent themes demonstrated that participants had limited knowledge about falls prevention. Enablers included individualizing falls prevention strategies. Barriers included not being offered access to established falls prevention pathways. Conclusion There is an urgent need to develop high‐quality falls prevention services for older adults with intellectual disability.

Empirically supported psychological treatments: The challenges of comorbid psychiatric and behavioral disorders in people with intellectual disability

“…People with ID experience a number of barriers to accessing preventive health care services compared to the general population[ 21 ], to receiving routine medical care[ 22 ] and accessing mental health services[ 23 ]. The scientific literature cites inadequate training of mental health professionals, organizational barriers, lack of services, and poor quality of services as the main obstacles to accessing appropriate mental health care[ 24 ].…”

Preventing falls at home among people with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review

“…Two studies explored healthcare professionals' and people with intellectual disabilities' adherence to existing fall‐prevention guidelines (Ho et al, 2020; Pal et al, 2014) and found participants' experiences did not reflect current guidelines of care for the prevention of falls, and that people with intellectual disabilities were not routinely offered access to established falls prevention pathways (Ho et al, 2020).…”

“…Medication issues are an identified risk factor for falls in people with intellectual disabilities (Axmon et al, 2018; Chiba et al, 2009; Hale et al, 2007; Hsieh et al, 2012; Schoufour et al, 2015; Wagemans & Cluitmans, 2006). Medication reviews for people with intellectual disabilities who also have co‐morbidities such as epilepsy and who take fall‐risk‐inducing medication (such as anticonvulsants) may form part of an effective falls‐prevention intervention (Ho et al, 2020). However, we found a lack of studies investigating medication management interventions to reduce the risk of falls in people with intellectual disabilities.…”

“…However, our review found that the experiences of healthcare professionals, people with intellectual disabilities and carers, are not always reflected in current guidelines or frameworks for the prevention of falls. Moreover, people with intellectual disabilities are not routinely offered access to falls prevention pathways or interventions (Ho et al, 2020; Pal et al, 2014). Carers play an important role in helping people with intellectual disabilities access appropriate and acceptable interventions (Ho et al, 2020).…”

“…Moreover, people with intellectual disabilities are not routinely offered access to falls prevention pathways or interventions (Ho et al, 2020; Pal et al, 2014). Carers play an important role in helping people with intellectual disabilities access appropriate and acceptable interventions (Ho et al, 2020). As such, carers with lived experience need to be involved in all stages of the design, development and delivery of future interventions.…”