Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual health care, including for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This shift offers both opportunities and challenges, as outlined in the scoping review "Virtual health care for adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review" (Selick et al., 2021). This blog explores key findings and practical implications for practitioners aiming to improve their virtual care services for adults with IDD.
Key Findings
The review analyzed 22 studies, revealing that virtual care can be highly acceptable to adults with IDD, although some prefer face-to-face interactions. The effectiveness of virtual care was generally positive, but findings were limited by small sample sizes. Challenges included internet quality and technical skills, which can hinder access to virtual services.
Improving Access to Care
The Access to Care Framework, which includes dimensions such as approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability, and appropriateness, was used to analyze the studies. Here are some actionable insights for practitioners:
- Approachability: Increase awareness of virtual care options among patients and caregivers to enhance utilization.
- Acceptability: Tailor virtual care to patient preferences, offering both video and phone options, and ensure that caregivers are comfortable with the technology.
- Availability and Accommodation: Provide technical support and training for both patients and caregivers to navigate virtual platforms effectively.
- Affordability: Consider the financial barriers to accessing technology and internet services, and explore options for subsidizing these costs for low-income families.
- Appropriateness: Ensure that virtual care services meet the specific needs of adults with IDD, considering their unique communication and support requirements.
Opportunities for Further Research
While the review highlights the potential of virtual care for adults with IDD, it also underscores the need for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the following areas:
- Investigate the long-term effectiveness of virtual care interventions for adults with IDD.
- Examine the impact of virtual care on health outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to traditional in-person care.
- Explore innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance virtual care delivery, particularly for patients with complex needs.
Conclusion
Virtual health care presents a promising avenue for improving access to services for adults with IDD. By addressing the challenges identified in the scoping review and implementing data-driven strategies, practitioners can enhance the quality and accessibility of virtual care. As the landscape of health care continues to evolve, ongoing research and adaptation will be crucial to meeting the diverse needs of this population.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Virtual health care for adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review.
