'What Matters, Doctor?' A Qualitative and Inclusive Study of the Experience of Mainstream Healthcare Among People With Intellectual Disabilities in Belgium.
co‐researching; health needs; healthcare; inclusive research; intellectual disability; Belgium; Focus Groups; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand; Qualitative Research
Abstract :
[en] [en] BACKGROUND: This study investigates the healthcare needs and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on identifying areas for improvement. Its innovation lies in including individuals with intellectual disabilities as co-researchers in the research process.
METHOD: Thematic analysis was performed on five focus groups with 30 participants, exploring access to healthcare. Three co-researchers played active roles in reviewing the interview, recruitment, facilitation and co-analysis of results.
RESULTS: Three types of specific needs emerged: communication, relational and support needs, as well as challenges in empowerment and shortcomings in the skills of professionals.
CONCLUSIONS: Intervention programmes aimed at training doctors and healthcare professionals should consider the specific difficulties and needs of people with intellectual disability, and their input should be prioritised in the design of these interventions.
Disciplines :
Social & behavioral sciences, psychology: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Miceli, Aurélie ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service d'Orthopédagogie clinique
Lucassen, Laurie ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service d'Orthopédagogie clinique
RINALDI, Romina ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service d'Orthopédagogie clinique
Van Ooteghem, N; People First Movement, Verviers, Belgium
Walter, D; People First Movement, Verviers, Belgium
Perau, M; People First Movement, Verviers, Belgium
Kahwaji, Caroline ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service d'Orthopédagogie clinique
Mayart, Axel ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service d'Orthopédagogie clinique
Batsele, Elise ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service d'Orthopédagogie clinique
Language :
English
Title :
'What Matters, Doctor?' A Qualitative and Inclusive Study of the Experience of Mainstream Healthcare Among People With Intellectual Disabilities in Belgium.
Publication date :
12 February 2025
Journal title :
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities