Waiting for psychological therapy during the covid-19 pandemic: experiences of adults with an intellectual disability
Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
ISSN: 2044-1282
Article publication date: 14 June 2023
Issue publication date: 3 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Measures introduced to mitigate the spread of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) may have contributed to an increase in waiting times for face-to-face psychological treatments. As adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to encounter barriers when accessing remote therapies, it is important they receive appropriate support while waiting. To understand what care is needed, this service evaluation [aimed to] explored the experiences of service users with ID who have waited for treatment during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven individuals who had been waiting for psychological therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included those waiting longer than the national health service target of 18 weeks, were interviewed. Data were analysed using framework analysis.
Findings
The following four key themes were identified: waiting has been “painful”, related to how service users continued to experience difficulties whilst they waited; tolerating the wait, highlighted that individuals understood the reasons for waiting; use of coping strategies where service users identified both internal and external strategies they had used to cope; and support and contact from the learning disability team, related to how individuals experienced the support they received from the service.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this service evaluation is the first to explore the experiences of service users with ID waiting for psychological therapy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Results guide suggestions on improving support whilst they are waiting to help prevent further decline.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the individuals who participated in this service evaluation and allowing us to learn from their experiences.
Data availability statement: Data is available upon reasonable request.
Funding statement: This service evaluation received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or non-for -profit sectors.
Conflict of interest disclosure: The authors report no conflict of interest.
Ethics approval statement: Ethical approval was not required for this evaluation.
Patient consent statement: Service users provided consent for the purpose of this evaluation.
Citation
Baxter, R., Rawlings, G.H., Yates, L. and Beail, N. (2023), "Waiting for psychological therapy during the covid-19 pandemic: experiences of adults with an intellectual disability", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 148-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-08-2022-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited