Using Q‐Methodology to Involve People with Intellectual Disability in Evaluating Person‐Centred Planning

Abstract

Objectives Person-centred approaches do not easily lend themselves to standard methods of evaluation. This study develops a technique that will involve service users and their circle of support in making individual plans. Methodology Q-methodology is a phenomenological approach, which enables the researcher to co-construct the stories of many people. Two people with learning disabilities and seven members of their circle of support were identified to participate in the study. They attended a stakeholder meeting to identify 36 valued activities. The 16 participants then completed a Q-sort using photographs to represent these activities. These sorts were then interpreted using Q-methodology. Results There were a number of intercorrelations between the card sorts. Principle component analysis showed that two factors accounted for 73% of the variance of the data. The two clusters represented the members of each person's circle of support. Analysis and comparison of the factors have highlighted the similarities and differences between individuals and their circle of support. Conclusions This study shows that Q-methodology is a useful adjunct to person-centred planning. Looking at and interpreting the data, which emerge through Q-methodology, hashighlighted both similarities and individual differences for goal planning. It has also highlighted potential areas for service change and development. Using Q-sorts over time may be a way to demonstrate the subjective change in peoples' values that occur through person-centred planning (PCP).

Person-Centered Planning: Analysis of Research and Effectiveness

“…O'Brien, 2004;Reid & Green, 2002;Smull & Lakin, 2002). As a consequence, planning meetings are sometimes not attended by any family member, lawyer, or the consumer (Mansell & Beadle-Brown, 2004); frequently, there are no meetings with the people involved (Combes et al, 2004), and although needs are identified, plans are often not implemented because of a lack of support solutions (Robertson et al, 2007b). For example, Dumas, De La Garza, Seay, and Becker (2002) illustrated that frequently participants actually do not understand their own person-centered planning process.…”

“…Person-centered planning covers a wide range of procedures and guidelines focused on the creation of fundamental changes in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Cloutier, Malloy, Hagner, & Cotton, 2006;Combes, Hardy, & Buchan, 2004;Holburn, 2002Holburn, a, 2002b. The purpose of person-centered planning is to develop collaborative, goal-oriented, and individualized programs that are focused on community presence, community participation, positive relationships, respect, and competence (Cloutier et al, 2006;Keyes & Owens-Johnson, 2003;J.…”

Pharmacy users’ expectations of pharmacy encounters: a Q-methodological study

“…Combes et al. 45 have shown it to be a feasible approach even among people with intellectual disabilities.…”

Perceptions of Personal Web Usage in the Workplace: AQ-Methodology Approach

“…This small sample technique provides depth rather than generalizability and is particularly appropriate for sensitive topic research. 35,[39][40][41][42] Qmethodology has been extensively used in qualitative psychological research to understand human behavior, 39,[43][44][45][46] workplace behaviors, 41,47 among others. Therefore, in a relatively unexplored area like PWU, this technique can provide insights into the underlying dynamics of perceptions of the actors.…”