Abstract
BackgroundPeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased health-related risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual training programs that support providers in caring for the physical and mental health needs of this population, as well provide psychological support to the providers themselves, are needed during the pandemic.ObjectiveThis paper describes the design, delivery, and evaluation of a virtual educational COVID-19–focused Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program to support providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in caring for the mental health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.MethodsA rapid design thinking approach was used to develop a 6-session program that incorporates mindfulness practice, a wellness check, COVID-19–related research and policy updates, a didactic presentation on a combination mental health and COVID-19 related topic, and a case-based discussion to encourage practical learning. We used the first 5 outcome levels of Moore’s evaluation framework—focusing on participation, satisfaction, learning, self-efficacy, and change in practice—which were rated (out of 5) by care providers from health and disability service sectors, as well as additional reflection measures about innovations to the program. Qualitative feedback from open-text responses from participants were analyzed using modified manifest content analysis.ResultsA total of 104 care providers from health and disability service sectors participated in the program. High levels of engagement (81 participants per session on average) and satisfaction (overall satisfaction score: mean 4.31, SD 0.17) were observed. Self-efficacy (score improvement: 19.8%), support, and coping improved. Participants also rated the newly developed COVID-19 program and its innovative components highly. Open text feedback showed participants felt that the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program expanded their knowledge and competency and created a sense of being part of a community of practice; provided value for the COVID-19 innovations; supported resource-sharing within and beyond program participants; and facilitated changes to participants’ approaches to client care in practice and increased participants’ confidence in supporting clients and families.ConclusionsThe Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program is an effective model for capacity-building programs with a shared-learning approach. Future iterations should include targeted evaluation of long-term outcomes such as staff burnout.
Highlights
Countries across the world have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with rapid deployment of public health measures and hospital-based care for the acutely unwell
The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program is an effective model for capacity-building programs with a shared-learning approach
Various population groups, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are marginalized and underserved in the health care system, both during and prior to COVID-19 [1]. They are at increased risk for poorer outcomes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, severe complications, and mortality [1,2,3,4,5]
Summary
Countries across the world have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with rapid deployment of public health measures and hospital-based care for the acutely unwell. Various population groups, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are marginalized and underserved in the health care system, both during and prior to COVID-19 [1] They are at increased risk for poorer outcomes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, severe complications, and mortality [1,2,3,4,5]. Effective training programs for health and community service providers are needed because of the increased vulnerability to risk of infections of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as a lack of information available about supporting the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Virtual training programs that support providers in caring for the physical and mental health needs of this population, as well provide psychological support to the providers themselves, are needed during the pandemic
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