From “what do you do?” to “a leap of faith”: developing more effective indirect intervention for adults with learning disabilities

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse some of the factors which affect the implementation and outcomes of indirect intervention for people with learning disabilities in residential homes and day centres.Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered through a series of semi‐structured interviews which were transcribed and analysed according to the principles of grounded theory. In total, four carers/support workers and three speech and language therapists (SLTs) were interviewed.Findings – Analysis of the data indicated distinct areas where intervention breakdown could occur, some of which were within the SLTs' control and some of which were not.Originality/value – This paper builds on previous research to identify barriers to successful therapy outcomes and develops a way of looking at these barriers which can inform intervention planning and delivery.