Exploring how to deliver videoconference-mediated psychological therapy to adults with an intellectual disability during the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Purpose The novel coronavirus and associated restrictions have resulted in mental health services across the UK having to adapt how they deliver psychological assessments and interventions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the accessibility and prospective acceptability of providing telephone and videoconference-mediated psychological interventions in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach As part of a service evaluation, a mixed-methods questionnaire was developed and completed by clients who had been referred for psychological therapy at an adult intellectual disabilities’ community health service in the north of England. All clients were assessed using the Red/Amber/Green (RAG) system by a consultant clinical psychologist for risk and potential suitability for indirect service delivery given their ability and needs. Findings Overall, 22 clients were invited to take part, of which, only seven (32%) were accepting of telephone or videoconference-mediated psychological therapy. Most of the clients were unable to engage in video-conference therapy and therefore, only suitable for phone therapy. This paper presents the remaining findings and discusses the clinical implications and unique considerations for intellectual disability services drawing on the existing literature. Originality/value This is the first paper that the authors are aware of, examining videoconference-mediated psychological therapy in this population. It is hoped the data will be used to help inform practice or policy when using such therapeutic approaches in adults with an intellectual disability.

Experiences of therapists conducting psychological assessments and video conferencing therapy sessions with people with mild intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, there is a relative dearth of research assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of video conferencing amongst people with mild intellectual disabilities (Oudshoorn et al 2021). Recently, in a small-scale mixed-methods study, Rawlings et al (2020) explored the accessibility and acceptability of using video conferencing for psychological interventions for anxiety, low mood and anger amongst people with intellectual disabilities, and found that only a minority of service users accepted therapy being conducted in this way. Given that professionals play a key role in the acceptance and implementation of interventions delivered by a broad range of eHealth applications, such as video conferencing (Henneman et al 2017), it is important to also explore their perspectives.…”

Adapted remote cognitive behavioural therapy for comfort eating with a woman with intellectual disabilities: Case report

“…Others may necessitate systemic approaches [ 50 ], thus the approach outlined in this case study may not be widely replicable. Rawlings et al [ 58 ] also support this view, reporting that the majority of PWID were unable to participate in video therapy during COVID-19.…”

Telephone-delivered compassion-focused therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities: a case series

“…This lack of data could further contribute to health-care inequalities in people who have ID, reported prior to (Beail, 2016a) and during the pandemic (Iacobucci, 2021). Moreover, the available evidence suggests that less than onethird of people with ID referred to adult ID community health service (n = 22) were accepting of remote psychological therapies during the pandemic, with the majority not interested or unable to receive therapy via videoconference due to technology accessibility issues (Rawlings et al, 2021). The Division of Clinical Psychology, Faculty for People with ID published guidance in May 2020, during the pandemic, on how to meet the psychological needs of people with ID (British Psychological Society, 2020).…”