Virtual consultations for people with learning disabilities, their families and healthcare providers: a co-design study to aid implementation in everyday practice

Using an Experience-Based Co-design approach this study aims to explore the experiences of people with learning disabilities, their families and healthcare professionals when taking part in virtual consultations.

Start date

November 2021

End date

Ongoing

Overview

Virtual consultations (by videocall or telephone) have existed for some time but there has been a recent increase linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. Little is known about the experiences of people with learning disabilities and their families/carers when taking part in virtual consultations. Using observation and interviews, this study aims to explore the views and experiences of people with learning disabilities, their families/carers and healthcare professionals when taking part in virtual consultations and also to include the views of those who decline to use virtual consultations. We will bring people with learning disabilities, their families/carers and their healthcare professionals together in a co-design process to reflect on findings and establish improvement priority areas. We will co-design tangible resources such as best-practice guidance, training, and support materials to enhance and positively change the experience of taking part in virtual consultations for people with learning disabilities and their families/carers.

Aims and objectives

To co-design best-practice guidance and resources for healthcare professionals to support people with learning disabilities and their families to access and benefit from virtual consultations.

Settings

Primary Care

We aim to recruit GP practices within Kent, Surrey, Sussex and adjoining regions.

Community Care

We aim to work with community learning disability teams and community learning disability organisations in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and adjoining regions.

Download recruitment poster (PDF)