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Unlocking the Potential of Virtual Health Care for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Unlocking the Potential of Virtual Health Care for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The rapid shift to virtual health care during the COVID-19 pandemic has opened new avenues for providing care to various populations, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A recent scoping review titled Virtual health care for adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review sheds light on how virtual care can be both a challenge and an opportunity for this group.

Adults with IDD often face barriers such as limited access to technology and the skills to use it, which can impede their ability to benefit from virtual health care. However, the review found that with proper support, virtual care can significantly improve access and quality of care. Here are some key takeaways for practitioners looking to enhance their virtual care delivery:

For practitioners, these findings suggest that virtual care can be a viable option for adults with IDD, but it requires thoughtful implementation. Here are some steps you can take to improve your virtual care services:

  1. Assess the Technology Needs: Evaluate the technology needs of your patients and ensure they have access to the necessary devices and internet connections.
  2. Provide Training: Offer training sessions for both patients and caregivers to familiarize them with the virtual platforms you use.
  3. Ensure Support: Have a support system in place to troubleshoot technical issues and assist patients during virtual visits.
  4. Customize Care: Tailor your virtual care approaches to meet the specific needs of each patient, considering their comfort levels and the type of care required.

As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the integration of virtual care into regular health services for adults with IDD can offer numerous benefits. However, it is essential to continue researching and refining these approaches to ensure they are as effective and accessible as possible.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Virtual health care for adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review.


Citation: Selick, A., Bobbette, N., Lunsky, Y., Hamdani, Y., Rayner, J., & Durbin, J. (2021). Virtual health care for adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review. Disability and Health Journal, 14(4), 101132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101132
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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