The impact of behavioural skills training on the knowledge, skills and well‐being of front line staff in the intellectual disability sector: a clustered randomised control trial

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual disability, via completion of a service evaluation. Design/methodology/approach Outcome measurements were competed at pre-, post- and 12 months follow-up, and the effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using a Friedman analysis. Findings Findings demonstrated that the treatment group showed significant differences in their “psychological distress” scores, but no significant differences were found in their “psychological well-being”, “anxiety” or “quality of life” (WHO-QOL) scores over time. Originality/value Overall, the current study adds to the small but growing literature that supports using the skills training group part of DBT as a stand-alone psychological intervention when working with people with an intellectual disability.

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The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on older adults with an intellectual disability during the first wave of the pandemic in Ireland

HRB Open Research ◽

10.12688/hrbopenres.13238.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 93

Author(s):

Mary McCarron ◽

Darren McCausland ◽

Retha Luus ◽

Andrew Allen ◽

Fintan Sheerin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disability ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Well Being ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Multiple Infection ◽

Similar Proportion ◽

Related Data ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being

Background: People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).They also face challenges to mental health and well-being from COVID-19-related social restrictions and service closures. Methods: Data from a supplemental COVID-19 survey from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) (n=710) was used to assess outcomes from the first infection wave of COVID-19 among adults with intellectual disability aged 40+ years in Ireland. Data was gathered on testing, for symptoms and outcomes; procedures to manage COVID-19; and both stress/anxiety and positive experiences during the pandemic. Demographic and health-related data from the main IDS-TILDA dataset was included in analyses. Results: High rates were identified of health conditions associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including overweight/obesity (66.6%, n=365), high cholesterol (38.6%, n=274) and cardiovascular disease (33.7%, n=239). Over half (53.5%, n=380) reported emotional, nervous or psychiatric disorders. Almost two-thirds (62.4%, n=443) were tested for COVID-19, with 10% (n=71) reporting symptoms and 2.5% (n=11) testing positive. There were no instances of COVID-19 related mortality. Common symptoms included fatigue, fever, and cough. Some participants (7.8%, n=55) moved from their usual home, most often to isolate (n=31) or relocate to a family home (n=11). Three-quarters (78.7%) of those who were symptomatic or who tested positive had plans to manage self-isolation and two-thirds were able to comply with guidelines. Over half (55%, n=383) reported some COVID-19 related stress/anxiety; and a similar proportion reported positive aspects during this period (58%, n=381). Conclusions: Our data suggests that people with intellectual disability avoided the worst impacts of COVID-19 during the first infection wave in Ireland. Nevertheless, participants’ health profiles suggest that this population remains at high risk for adverse infection outcomes. Repeated measures are needed to track health and well-being outcomes across multiple infection waves.

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Mental Skills

10.1093/oso/9780197512494.003.0005 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 61-75

Author(s):

Dave Collins ◽

Hugh Richards

Keyword(s):

Skills Training ◽

Well Being ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Professional Judgment ◽

Mental Skills ◽

Mental Skills Training ◽

Normative Expectations ◽

Level Of Experience ◽

Special Circumstances ◽

The Impact

This chapter considers issues in optimizing the impact and efficacy of mental skills training (MST). Balancing MST focus between performance, well-being, and character development is essential and requires data-driven case conceptualization. Effective professional judgment and decision-making underpins development of effective MST, enabling consideration of aspects such as timing, sequencing, and periodization, which determine the optimum “blend” of intervention techniques and delivery. Three interacting factors underpin effective application of MST. Relevant performer characteristics (e.g., gender, age, maturity) and special circumstances (injury, retirement) interact with practitioner characteristics such as level of experience, specific training, and preference/expertise with certain skills. Interactions are also influenced by cultural/contextual factors, from normative expectations of service delivery to contractual conditions and geographical locations (online/remote). The actual benefit of mental skills can only be realized when the provider both comprehends how to plan and deliver effectively and can navigate influential factors appropriately.

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A comparison of physical activity, physical fitness levels, BMI and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disability, who do and do not take part in Special Olympics Ireland programmes: Results from the SOPHIE study

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities ◽

10.1177/1744629516688773 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 154-170 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Denise Walsh ◽

Sarahjane Belton ◽

Sarah Meegan ◽

Kirsty Bowers ◽

Deidre Corby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Special Olympics ◽

The Impact ◽

Fitness Levels

People with an intellectual disability are less physically active, live more sedentary lives, have lower fitness levels and are more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population. No evidence exists on the impact of participation in Special Olympics Ireland (SOI) on physical activity and physical fitness levels. Adults with intellectual disabilities (16–64 years) were recruited from services and SOI clubs. Physical measures included waist circumference, height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and 6-min walking test. Self-report questionnaires gathered data on physical activity levels. Actigraph (GT3X) accelerometers were used to gain an objective measure of physical activity. SOI participants accumulated more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, had higher fitness levels and more positive health profile scores than those not taking part in SOI. SOI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s physical health and subsequently their overall health and well-being.

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Individualized Apartment Accommodation for People With Intellectual Disability: Protocol for a Qualitative Study Examining the Well-Being and Support Outcomes Linking Housing and Health (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18248 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Phillippa Carnemolla

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disability ◽

Group Home ◽

Community Setting ◽

Well Being ◽

Support Staff ◽

High Density ◽

Small Scale ◽

Supported Accommodation ◽

The Impact ◽

Support Model

BACKGROUND Understanding the outcomes associated with both receiving and providing support to people with intellectual disability in specific settings can facilitate the alignment of health providers, community care providers, architects, and urban planners to strengthen levels of autonomy and community participation of people with intellectual disability living in the community. This study explores the impact of providing support (available 24 hours a day) for people with intellectual disability in a high-density apartment. It seeks the perspectives of people with intellectual disability who have moved into an apartment from a group home (where 4-6 people with disability live), their families, and support staff. It will enable comparison between two models of supported accommodation, group homes and individualized apartments, in a community setting. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to explore the impact of an individualized apartment model of supported accommodation in a high-density setting on the well-being, autonomy, and participation of people with intellectual disability living and receiving support; the experience of providing care or support; and how this setting impacts the logistics of how quality support is provided. METHODS Qualitative research methods were employed as the primary means of collecting and analyzing data. There are two main sources of data in this study: (1) semistructured interviews with participants in up to 3 waves (pre, post 1, and post 2) and (2) pre- and postoccupancy evaluation data on the design, layout, and location details of the built environments. Coded interview data will be paired with pre- and postoccupancy evaluations of the two accommodation settings. RESULTS As of May 2020, we have recruited 55 participants. There have been 96 interviews conducted in 2 waves with people who have moved into supported accommodation, families, and staff. Collected data are currently being analyzed. We expect the results of the trial to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in late 2020. CONCLUSIONS This paper sets out a study of an alternative housing and support model for people with intellectual disability. It will capture personal experiences of people with intellectual disability receiving support in an apartment compared to their experiences in a group home. It will also capture the experiences of support staff working in the new setting and reveal how this differs from a group home setting. The inclusion of pre (group home) and post (apartment integrated into a community setting) measures addresses evaluative and comparative questions around the nature and impacts of the small-scale apartment and support model for both those who live and receive support, and those who support them. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/18248

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COVID-19 and young people with intellectual disability: a service review

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.877 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (S1) ◽

pp. S334-S335

Author(s):

Omer Minhas ◽

Pippa Mundy ◽

Jessica Stewart

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disability ◽

Complex Systems ◽

Clinical Review ◽

Community Support ◽

Well Being ◽

Child And Adolescent ◽

South Wales ◽

Distress Calls ◽

The Impact ◽

Children With Intellectual Disability

AimsA service review of specialist child and adolescent intellectual disability provision in South Wales was conducted between March and May 2020. The purpose was to explore the impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on children with intellectual disability and their families. The review aimed to explore if the disruption to the systems involved in their care would impact their wellbeing and behavioural presentations. We also measured if there had been an increase in the use of medication. Our focus was on the distress calls, which are requests for urgent clinical review to prevent a crisis.A service review of specialist child and adolescent intellectual disability provision in South Wales was conducted between March and May 2020. The purpose was to explore the impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on children with intellectual disability and their families. The review aimed to explore if the disruption to the systems involved in their care would impact their wellbeing and behavioural presentations. We also measured if there had been an increase in the use of medication. Our focus was on the distress calls, which are requests for urgent clinical review to prevent a crisis.MethodSix clinical areas across three Welsh health boards under the same specialist team were surveyed. Case notes and email correspondence were reviewed to obtain the number and content of crisis calls made to specialist CAMHS across an eight week period during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown. Data were gathered on frequency, purpose, and outcome of calls. Comparison data were also collected for the period October 2019 to March 2020.ResultPre-COVID-19: Two crisis calls were identified in two different areas during the pre-COVID period surveyed. Increases in medication and increases in respite care packages were made as a result.During COVID-19 restrictions: 20 different initial distress calls made (children age 9 and 17 years old (M = 13.2); 75% were boys) across five of the six clinical areas. Of these 20 calls, 17 were active cases and 3 were new referrals. 95% of calls resulted in medication increases and there were few other interventions used due to COVID-19 constraints. Changes to the child's support system were discussed across all cases and return to school was highlighted as a key protective factor in improved well-being. Differences between clinical areas were also identified.ConclusionThere was a clear increase in distress calls and requests to prescribe or increase psychotropic medication to calm the distress during the ‘lockdown’. Changes in behavioural presentation may have occurred partly due to the disruption to the complex systems that typically support a child and the shift away from community support. Children with intellectual disability and their families are unique and embedded in complex systems comprising schools, respite, and healthcare provision which work together to deliver optimal mental healthcare with psychosocial interventions with medication for higher-risk situations. Any shifts in these systems may lead to an imbalance and a higher likelihood of medication use.

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A Subtle Profile With a Significant Impact: Language and Communication Difficulties for Autistic Females Without Intellectual Disability

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Alexandra Sturrock ◽

Catherine Adams ◽

Jenny Freed

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disability ◽

Well Being ◽

Typically Developing ◽

Behavioral Differences ◽

Language Therapy ◽

Communication Difficulties ◽

Language And Communication ◽

Therapy Services ◽

Recognition Testing ◽

The Impact

The presentation of autism in females is poorly understood, which is thought to contribute to missed or later- age diagnosis, especially for those without intellectual disability. Dedicated research into social and behavioral differences has indicated a specific female phenotype of autism. However, less has been done to explore language and communication profiles, despite known sex/gender differences in typically developing populations. This article provides a synthesis of recent work from this small but emerging field. It focuses on a series of four preliminary and explorative studies conducted by the authors and embeds this within the wider literature. Findings suggest a specific profile of language and communication strengths and weaknesses for autistic females without intellectual disability (compared to autistic males and typically developing females). Furthermore, despite the relatively subtle presentation of difficulties (compared to autistic males), the impact on functionality, social inter-relations and emotional well-being, appears to be equitable and significant. The discussion highlights the need for further empirical research and proposes areas for investigation. Implications for clinical practice include the need for better recognition, testing and provision of interventions dedicated to the language and communication difficulties for autistic females. This has relevance for diagnostic, mental health and speech and language therapy services.

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Psychological Skills Training and the Impact on Military Performance Readiness

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology ◽

10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.193 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Scott Barnicle

Keyword(s):

Skills Training ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Psychological Skills ◽

Psychological Skills Training ◽

Us Army ◽

Military Performance ◽

Psychological Training ◽

The Us ◽

The Impact

With the demands of the United States Military constantly evolving, it is necessary to think outside of the common battlefield to find a competitive advantage. Aside from tactical and technical advancement in military science and weaponry, the psychological component of warfare and readiness has been given more attention and resources in recent years. While the primary goal of these programs, which are mainly with the US Army and Navy, is to psychologically train soldiers for optimal performance and readiness, the mental health and psychological well-being upon return from deployment is also a top priority. These programs have grown in scope and size over the past 20 years, and with no end in sight of U.S. military responsibilities, the psychological training platforms continue to be a critical component of global military readiness.

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Evaluating Quality of Life in Families With Williams Syndrome Patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-50757/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

ESTHER MORALEDA ◽

Mario Arana ◽

Patricia López

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Williams Syndrome ◽

Personal Development ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Interpersonal Relations ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Determination ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Williams Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a variable intellectual disability. People with Williams Syndrome need the intervention of several clinical and educational specialists throughout their life. However, little is known about the impact produced by this disability in their immediate environment, especially in families. The purpose was to know the level of quality of life described by families with Williams Syndrome.Methods: The sample was made up of 33 families belong to Spanish Williams Syndrome Association who were evaluated using the Kidslife Scale. Theirs children and adolescents were between 4 and 20 years old. Eight main quality of life dimensions were evaluated: emotional well-being, physical well-being, material well-being, personal development, interpersonal relations, social inclusion, self-determination and rightsResults: The obtained data indicated that the degree and presence of intellectual disability themselves did not homogeneously influence people’s quality of life, but many variables could alter their quality of life to a greater or lesser extent. There are no significant differences between quality of life areas but significant differences appeared for level of dependence in the self-determination subarea (p<.05). Conclusions: These results led us to analyse the social and emotional implications for families and their environment.

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The Impact of Social Prescribing on Mental Health: A Protocol for Two Randomised Wait-List Controlled Feasibility Studies, Social Prescribing in Mental Health Study (SPRING) and Mental Health Through Social Prescribing Project (PROSPECT)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-612412/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Megan Elliott ◽

Mark Llewellyn ◽

Carolyn Wallace ◽

Sarah Wallace ◽

E Mark Williams

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Service Use ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Study ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Wait List ◽

Social Prescribing ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract BackgroundSocial prescribing aims to connect citizens with sources of support in their communities to benefit their health and well-being. Despite its ongoing implementation within the United Kingdom, the evidence base for social prescribing has been criticised, citing a lack of rigour, high risk of bias and inconclusive findings to date.MethodsThis study protocol aims to examine the feasibility of using large, randomised control studies to assess the mental health and well-being impacts of social prescribing. Two wait-list control studies, each consisting of two parallel arm groups, SPRING and PROPSECT were designed. Participants were referred via their consulting healthcare professionals. The participants were randomised to receive the intervention immediately or after a delay of four weeks. The intervention in the SPRING study was a personal “what-matters” interview by a Link Worker consultation leading to a prescribed social service. Three month and six month follow up of service use was proposed. In PROPSECT, the intervention was a holistic social prescribing service. In both trials the primary outcomes were quality of life, service uptake, and participant experience.DiscussionSocial prescribing is becoming popular in community health and care services. It is believed to be an effective resource, and this is first randomised control trial to attempt to demonstrate the effectiveness of social prescribing for people with Mental Health and/or emotional well-being issues. A waiting-list control study is feasible in this context but would be suitable for larger randomised controlled trials.Trial Registration: SPRING, Clinical Trials, NCT04062903. Registered 17th September 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04062903?term=NCT04062903&draw=2&rank=1. PROSPECT, Clinical Trials, NCT04099095. Registered 23rd September 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04099095?term=NCT04099095&draw=2&rank=1

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