Inter-sectoral collaboration in the context of supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are frail

Abstract

There has been a steady growth in the population of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, some of whom are known to age prematurely; aging is also associated with increased rates of disability and chronic conditions that can lead to frailty. Supports provided by social and health sectors are crucial to supporting those identified as frail. A case study design was used to investigate the implementation of inter-sectoral collaboration between providers of services from specific social and health sectors; namely, developmental services (aka disability services) and home care services, in the context of supporting those identified as frail. Twenty-three participants (including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, and providers from both sectors) were interviewed using an open-ended format targeting known conditions for effective inter-sectoral collaboration: necessity, opportunity, capacity, relationships, planned action, and sustained outcomes. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent researchers. All participants touched on key facilitators and barriers for successful inter-sectoral collaboration across the six conditions. A single exception occurred in that individuals and families did not discuss sustained outcomes. Each of the six conditions for effective inter-sectoral collaboration is relevant to planning required to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are frail. When it comes to collaborative ventures between social and healthcare teams, the use of resources and tools that both facilitate and promote these conditions should be prioritised.