Reasonable Adjustments Research Articles

EXPRESS: Revisiting Working Memory Fifty Years after Baddeley and Hitch: A Review of Field-specific Conceptualizations, Use and Misuse, and Paths Forward for Studying Children.

As trained educational and developmental psychologists who study the role of working memory in educational outcomes, we know the various assumptions made about definitions and measurements of this cognitive ability. Considering the popularity of the Baddeley and Hitch working memory model (1974) in these fields, we raise challenges related to measurement, overlap with executive function, and adopting working memory measurement approaches from adult models. We propose that researchers consider how working memory tasks might tap multiple other abilities. This is problematic in the context of child cognitive development and in understanding which factors explain educational outcomes in children. We recommend giving greater attention to the central executive, acknowledging the overlap between the central executive and executive function in study design, and investigating a developmental model in the context of the broader abilities evoked in measurement. These recommendations may provide a fuller understanding of working memory's mechanistic role in children's learning and development and assist in developing reasonable adjustments for specific aspects of working memory for children who struggle.

An Optimized Public Opinion Communication System in Social Media Networks Based on K-means Cluster analysis

This study proposes a public opinion monitoring model that combines the K-means clustering algorithm with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of public opinion monitoring on social media. The model’s performance across various dissemination indicators is studied in detail. Through experiments conducted on social media datasets, the study comprehensively evaluates the model from four dimensions: dissemination speed, scope, depth, and sentiment dissemination effectiveness. The experimental results indicate that the proposed optimization model excels in multiple areas, particularly in dissemination depth and sentiment dissemination effectiveness. Specifically, in the three dimensions of dissemination speed, the proposed model achieves scores of 4.3, 4.2, and 4.4 in initial dissemination speed, decay speed, and peak dissemination speed, respectively. In the dimensions of user coverage, geographic coverage, and platform coverage under dissemination scope, the model scores 4.4, 4.5, and 4.3, demonstrating a broad dissemination capability. Additionally, in the dimensions of hierarchical dissemination depth and key node influence within dissemination depth, the model scores 4.3 and 4.5, indicating excellent performance in multi-level dissemination and key node activation. In sentiment dissemination effectiveness, the model receives scores of 4.4, 4.5, and 4.4 in emotional tendency change, polarity distribution, and diffusion intensity, showcasing its advantages in sentiment classification and dissemination. Sensitivity analysis further validates the model’s sensitivity to parameter settings, with experiments showing that reasonable adjustments to parameters such as the K value, PSO inertia weight, and learning factors can reduce the Sum of Squared Errors to 3209.72. Meanwhile, it can improve clustering purity to 0.822 and raise the Rand index to 0.623. Therefore, this study offers an efficient and reliable solution for public opinion monitoring on social media, providing valuable reference significance.

Building inclusive Learning Development spaces ‘…but we don’t have time for universal design’

This project sets out to convert a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshop on Dyslexia awareness into a series of mini asynchronous learning experiences. The aim is that learning and teaching staff will access the short asynchronous activities by scanning a Quick Response (QR) code; these activities will provide a brief insight into relevant examples of neurodiverse experiences, followed by tips on changes to professional practice that can embed inclusive and universal design. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an ethos that we all strive for in our various roles in learning development; It embraces the principles of the social model of disability, which the Office of Students (2019) states ‘is not about “fixing” the individual but about restructuring environments and attitudes around them’. As highlighted by Dettmer and Welton (2024, p.62) the learning community seeks to promote the social model of disability when promoting inclusive learning environments. Stripe and Ntonia’s article on implementing change for inclusive teaching (2023) highlights that the challenges faced include lack of time for staff CPD, negative attitudes towards reasonable adjustments, and mindsets that are not conducive to inclusivity. These factors are sector wide; time is precious for many learning and teaching staff, and attending CPD workshops, particularly when it means adding to an existing heavy workload, are not typically at the top of priority lists. However, as proposed, engaging in a 30-60 second asynchronous activity, might lead to some ‘quick wins’ for the adoption of universal design principles. The proposed short asynchronous activities discussed here are based on experiences of neurodiverse learners when faced with non-inclusive environments, and provide strategies that can be immediately implemented. It is hoped that by scanning a QR code and engaging in learning experiences ‘on the go’, this approach will encourage staff to see that inclusive and universal design can start with small changes and have a fundamental impact on students’ learning experiences.

Neurodivergence resource bank showcase

An awareness of neurodiversity is important for educators as there has been an increase in the number of neurodivergent students accessing higher education (HE) in recent years (HESA, 2022). Additionally, universities have a legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to provide anticipatory reasonable adjustments to reduce barriers to learning (Equality Challenge Unit, 2010). In this wildcard session, the authors presented the journey of the ALDinHE Neurodiversity/ Inclusivity Community of Practice (CoP). They invited new members to become involved with the CoP. CoPs are ‘socially configured spaces that necessarily involve learning as an aspect of membership’ (Tummons, 2018, p.4). Community members can become involved by joining the bi-monthly meetings, hosting a session on a topic they are passionate about, or reviewing submissions for the Neurodivergence Resource Bank. The session offered delegates the chance to explore the Neurodivergence Resource Bank. This open-access repository is available through ALDinHE’s website, meaning all HE staff can access the resources. This is key as all HE staff ‘should be aware of inclusive teaching practices, to ensure an equitable learning experience for all students’ (Dettmer and Welton, 2023, p.64). Participants gave feedback on the submissions. They were also encouraged to submit their resources to it. This session explained how to submit resources and the benefits of evidencing impact for professional development.

Addressing health inequality and inequity for people with intellectual disabilities: a collective responsibility for all nurses

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities are high users of acute hospital care. Given their varied and often complex health-care needs, they often experience health inequalities and inequities, contributing to poorer health outcomes. As nurses are the largest health-care workforce with a patient-facing role, they have an important responsibility in meeting this populations health needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues relating to the role nurses play in providing equitable health care for people with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach This service feature draws upon relevant literature to examine key contextual issues highlighting the importance of nurses in providing equitable health care for people with intellectual disabilities. Findings The findings from this service feature highlight the importance of nurses taking a leadership role in advocating for, and actively supporting the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Nurses’ leadership role, along with implementing reasonable adjustments, should be underpinned by education and training relating to the bespoke health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. This should help nurses promote the health and well-being of this population. Originality/value Addressing this populations health needs is a collective responsibility of all nurses. There are many examples of how nurses can be supported through policy, education, training and advocacy and this needs to be considered by key stakeholders and addressed as a matter of priority.

Exploring Implementation of Reasonable Adjustments in Hospitals for People With Intellectual Disability: Using a Realist Lens.

To explore the factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in hospitals for people with intellectual disability: using a realist lens. A qualitative study using a realist lens. Data collection involved one focus group interview and three semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in hospital or community settings in September 2023. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and findings were mapped to the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions (CICI) framework across the dimension's context, implementation and setting. Healthcare professionals support the provision of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals as a person-centred approach to caring for people with intellectual disability. While reasonable adjustments are evident in practice, they are mostly individual-level cases with little evidence of strategic system-level implementation. The factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in practice were conceptualised using the CICI framework. Context factors spanned the domains of epidemiological (e.g., ageing population), socio-cultural (e.g., historical healthcare), political (e.g., lack of integrated care pathways) and ethical (e.g., provision of person-centred care). Implementation factors spanned the domains of strategies (e.g., leadership strategies), agents (e.g., liaison and advocacy roles) and outcomes (e.g., individual-level reasonable adjustments). The setting for the complex intervention was the acute hospital. System-level indicators for successful implementation include intellectual disability specific policies/procedures for integrated care pathways, education and awareness training for hospital staff, and leadership strategies such as the development of liaison nursing roles and the appropriate allocation of physical and human resources. A radical change is needed where implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals are broadened beyond isolated individual-level cases to system-level healthcare. This research highlights the importance of exploring the integrated dimensions of context, implementation and setting in complex interventions such as reasonable adjustments and sets foundation for further implementation research in this area. Reasonable adjustments at the system-level within acute hospitals would promote person-centred care and help address the inequities and health disparities experienced by people with intellectual disability. This research uses a realist lens to explore the factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals for people with intellectual disability. The factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in practice were conceptualised using the CICI framework across the dimensions of context (domains epidemiological, socio-cultural, political and ethical), implementation (domains strategies, agents and outcomes) and setting. System-level indicators for successful implementation include intellectual disability specific policies/procedures for integrated care pathways, education and awareness training for hospital staff, and leadership strategies such as the development of liaison nursing roles and the appropriate allocation of physical and human resources. This research highlights the importance of exploring the integrated dimensions of context, implementation and setting of complex interventions such as reasonable adjustments and sets a foundation for further implementation research in this area. This research adhered to the Equator research reporting guideline: standards for reporting qualitative research. A parent of a child with intellectual disability was involved in the conduct of this research, specifically in the design, data collection and preparation of the manuscript.

WP6.3 - Neurodivergence Toolkit for Trainers, Supervisors and Educators

Abstract Aim To create a simple and easy to use reference toolkit for trainers, supervisors and educators to support neurodivergent trainees. Methods Around 15% of the UK population is neurodivergent, increasing annually. Between 2014-2020 the number of autistic medical students doubled. Neurodivergent doctors have little support, as few as 32% of neurodivergent doctors disclose to a supervisor and only 15% to Occupational Health. Only half of those who had asked for reasonable adjustments had them implemented. Neurodivergence impacts training, delaying graduation for up to 25% of individuals, increasing acts of self-harm by 50% and 24% increase of attempted suicide. We set out to create a simple reference toolkit of adjustments beneficial to neurodivergent doctors without negatively impacting neurotypical doctors, so it can be implemented without need for disclosure of neurodivergence. A literature review was completed using the terms “neurodivergent”, “neurodiversity”, “autism” and “education”, “training”. Adjustments in different clinical settings were developed with experts in higher education, neurodivergence and supervising trainers. Results A reference toolkit divided by training setting and by level of adjustments has been completed and will be published by in full for use by trainers and trainees in early 2024. Conclusions Effective adjustments can be made in a number of domains with varying levels of required trainer effort: Planning: Educational brief, Checklisting, Flexibility Environment Modification: Ambient noise reduction, Task completion, Reduced distractions Metacognition: Refocus on aims, Breaks from engagement, Two way communication Feedback: Specific behavioural feedback, achieved competency frameworks, reframing of difficulties, written descriptive feedback

Being a dyslexic police officer in England and Wales: Identity, disability, and disclosure

This paper presents the research findings of a qualitative, in-depth interview study exploring the personal experiences and perceptions of a sample of 25 dyslexic police officers working in numerous police forces in England and Wales. Utilising the social model of disability, the present paper explores the impact of dyslexia on police officers when conducting different aspects of policing, including disclosure, recruitment, training, education, and well-being in the operational role. The findings highlight prevalent disabling attitudes, discriminatory behaviours, and a lack of reasonable adjustments within police services in England and Wales. The paper concludes with tentative suggestions for potential improvements and discusses future research directions.

Teacher education students’ experiences navigating inherent requirements within their courses of study

ABSTRACT Inherent requirements define core competencies that all students must demonstrate to be accepted, progress, and successfully complete professionally accredited programmes such as teaching. This paper presents research that examines how students of teacher education navigate supposed abilities to teach through their courses of study, to inform the development of a statement of inherent requirements for a large school of education in an Australian university. Drawing on critical disability perspectives, we present results from a survey conducted with students enrolled in teacher education courses. This analysis demonstrates that inherent requirements have little affect for students whose bodily capacities align with preconceived notions of abilities to teach. Yet, students with disabilities will likely experience impose barriers to their success within teacher education because of perceived inherent requirements to practice, which is not easily addressed through disclosure and reasonable adjustments. The paper concludes with a discussion addressing how when seeking to expand their impact in support of inclusive local and global communities, universities must necessarily start by paying close attention to the ways that they frame competency in relation to equity. Here we draw from concerns raised by students in the present study, and critical disability theory, to support an institutional transposition from inherency to coherency, reframing how ability to teach can align with contemporary policy aspirations and inclusive practices. The paper is unique for drawing on student experiences to inform the development of knowledge in the field of teacher education along with critical disability perspectives with which to analyse them.

Investigating the utility of the AQ-10 in children and adolescents assessed in an outpatient ARFID clinic.

The high co-occurrence of autism and eating disorders is well established, including for those with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It is therefore important to consider autism and identify possible autism when people present to eating disorder services to ascertain whether further assessment is indicated, to support clinical formulation and to make appropriate adaptations during interventions. This paper explores the utility of a validated autism screening measure, the AQ-10, in a population of children and adolescents who presented to an outpatient eating disorders clinic for an assessment of possible ARFID. Over 19 months, 335 young people were assessed and 246 families with children aged between 4 and 17 years completed one of three versions of the AQ-10 (Child, Adolescent, and Adult), as part of a battery of routinely administered pre-assessment questionnaires. Results indicated that 80.2% (n = 69) of those with an existing autism diagnosis scored above clinical threshold of ≥6 (M = 7.2, SD = 1.9), 43.9% (n = 43) of those queried to be autistic scored above clinical threshold (M = 5.2, SD = 2.5), and 6.5% (n = 4) of non-autistic individuals scored above clinical threshold (M = 2.8, SD = 1.8). Additionally, the AQ-10 satisfactorily discriminated between those with a known autism diagnosis and those who are not autistic across all age groups and sex. We conclude that the AQ-10, alongside a comprehensive clinical assessment and clinical judgment, is a useful screening tool that can support clinicians to identify appropriate onward referrals for autism assessments, aid clinical formulation, and consider appropriate adaptations and reasonable adjustments during ARFID interventions.

Understanding employee experiences of developing younger onset dementia within the workplace: A scoping review.

There is limited information focussing on the perspectives of persons with younger onset dementia (YOD) in employment. This poses challenges for supporting this demographic within the workplace and during their transition to retirement. The aim of this scoping review is to address the identified need to ascertain what is known about the perspectives of employees with YOD. Records were included if they: considered working-aged persons who received a diagnosis of YOD whilst employed or soon after ceasing employment; considered the perspective of the person with YOD; and were published in English. Four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) were systematically searched, and grey literature was sought using the Google Scholar search engine. Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, two reviewers screened the title/abstract then full text of identified documents. Disagreements were resolved with a third reviewer. Research papers were narratively synthesised, thematically analysed, and critically appraised. Fourteen peer-reviewed research papers, and nineteen grey literature items were included in the review, with research papers found to be of reasonably high methodological quality. Five themes were identified, describing the experiences of employees with YOD: (1) Trying to manage difficulties prior to diagnosis; (2) Disclosure at the point of diagnosis; (3) Reasonable adjustments; (4) Employment cessation; and (5) Regaining meaningful roles following retirement. Findings revealed evidence for an emerging understanding of the lived experience of developing YOD within the workplace; however, further research is needed regarding the capabilities and support needs for persons with YOD to influence workplace policies and practices.

Religious dress in the healthcare setting: Unpacking legal arguments and balancing individual rights

This article explores the complex debate surrounding healthcare providers seeking to express their religious beliefs through the wearing of religious attire considering critical legal, ethical, and practical aspects. Drawing insights from the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and European Court of Justice, it sheds light on the implications for healthcare settings. The study highlights the sensitivity of the healthcare context, where specific arguments surface, such as the debated significance of religious neutrality given the vulnerability of patients and concerns about health and safety. Difficulties may arise when patients feel discomfort when treated by visibly religious healthcare providers. However, patients’ preferences regarding the religious neutrality of healthcare providers cannot be generalised, especially when considering the needs of certain minoritised communities. Furthermore, questions can be raised about the admissibility of potentially accommodating prejudice through prohibitions on religious dress. The article further examines hygiene and safety arguments used by healthcare institutions to restrict religious attire, arguing that while health and safety standards are crucial, scientific support for outright bans is limited, especially considering the possibility of reasonable adjustments. The central theme is the necessity for balanced considerations while upholding religious freedom and prioritising patient care, with particular emphasis going on the idea that the needs of patients cannot be generalised.

Specialist intellectual disability liaison nurses in general hospitals in England: cohort study using a large mortality dataset

ObjectiveIntellectual disability liaison nurses in general hospitals could enhance access to high-quality, adapted healthcare and improve outcomes. We aimed to explore associations between the input of intellectual disability liaison nurses...

Perioperative pathways for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and behaviours that challenge: An evaluation of parent experiences for service improvement.

To elicit experiences of parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions using a new perioperative pathway. Parents of children accessing an adapted perioperative clinical pathway in a tertiary children's hospital between July 2019 and December 2020 were invited to participate. A mixed method study was conducted comprising a short survey questionnaire followed by telephonic interviews. From 67 postal surveys sent out, 20 were completed. Six out of 20 parents participated in phone interviews and one parent submitted written prose. Parents were positive about their experiences. Six themes emerged: Negative past experiences (highlighting the need for adapted perioperative pathways); Reasonable adjustments (improving child and parent's hospital journey); Facilitating communication, convenience and collaboration; Parent's satisfaction and relief; Barriers to overcome and Areas in need of improvement were discussed. Parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions report great satisfaction and relief from their experiences of a more efficient, streamlined and stress-free way for their child to have tests or procedures done. Parents report improved communication, convenience and collaboration with staff resulted in timely, safe and high-quality care.

Developing a community-based model of care for venipuncture in children and young adults with an intellectual disability: a retrospective study

BackgroundRegular blood tests for monitoring metabolic side effects are often unable to be collected for people with an intellectual/developmental disability (ID/DD) and challenging behaviours (CBs) using usual pathways. We aimed...

Contrasting the Effects of X-Band Phased Array Radar and S-Band Doppler Radar Data Assimilation on Rainstorm Forecasting in the Pearl River Delta

Contrasting the X-band phased array radar (XPAR) with the conventional S-Band dual-polarization mechanical scanning radar (SMSR), the XPAR offers superior temporal and spatial resolution, enabling a more refined depiction of the internal dynamics within convective systems. While both SMSR and XPAR data are extensively used in monitoring and alerting for severe convective weather, their comparative application in numerical weather prediction through data assimilation remains a relatively unexplored area. This study harnesses the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and its data assimilation system (WRFDA) to integrate radial velocity and reflectivity from the Guangzhou SMSR and nine XPARs across Guangdong Province. Utilizing a three-dimensional variational approach at a 1 km convective-scale grid, the assimilated data are applied to forecast a rainstorm event in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) on 6 June 2022. Through a comparative analysis of the results from assimilating SMSR and XPAR data, it was observed that the assimilation of SMSR data led to more extensive adjustments in the lower- and middle-level wind fields compared to XPAR data assimilation. This resulted in an enlarged convergence area at lower levels, prompting an overdevelopment of convective systems and an excessive concentration of internal hydrometeor particles, which in turn led to spurious precipitation forecasts. However, the sequential assimilation of both SMSR and XPAR data effectively reduced the excessive adjustments in the wind fields that were evident when only SMSR data were used. This approach diminished the generation of false echoes and enhanced the precision of quantitative precipitation forecasts. Additionally, the lower spectral width of XPAR data indicates its superior detection accuracy. Assimilating XPAR data alone yields more reasonable adjustments to the low- to middle-level wind fields, leading to the formation of small-to-medium-scale horizontal convergence lines in the lower levels of the analysis field. This enhancement significantly improves the model’s forecasts of composite reflectivity and radar echoes, aligning them more closely with actual observations. Consequently, the Threat Score (TS) and Equitable Threat Score (ETS) for heavy-rain forecasts (>10 mm/h) over the next 5 h are markedly enhanced. This study underscores the necessity of incorporating XPAR data assimilation in numerical weather prediction practices and lays the groundwork for the future joint assimilation of SMSR and XPAR data.

Umbrella review of hospital passports: Their use and improvements

AbstractBackgroundThe hospital or health passport is widely acknowledged as a central element in making reasonable adjustments for patients with intellectual disabilities. Historically, the health passport has been used exclusively for patients with intellectual disabilities; however, it has wider applications for any patient requiring additional support. Commonly, it documents past medical history, communication needs and a person's means of expressing pain. There are, however, significant barriers to their use, meaning patients are unable to access adjustments to improve their experiences in a healthcare system that already marginalises and discriminates against people with intellectual disabilities. This umbrella review aims to establish whether the passport is an effective reasonable adjustment, identify barriers to its use and make recommendations to alleviate these barriers.MethodsDatabase and citation searches informed a synthesis of international evidence to address these aims. Following the removal of duplicates and screening, nine review papers originating from the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland were identified for inclusion. Seven focus on the use of passports for patients with intellectual disabilities, one on the use of passports for autistic people, and one exploring the use of passports for patients with dementia.FindingsThe results demonstrated that the passports are effective in improving care for patients with intellectual disabilities. However, there are barriers to its routine use. We identified three main issues with the current use of the hospital passport. First, there is a need for greater managerial support to implement reasonable adjustments. Second, standardisation of the passports at a national level will make them more accessible to healthcare professionals and will ensure that information is not ‘buried’; the development of a standardised passport must involve consultation of patients, carers and staff to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Finally, education for all healthcare staff to raise awareness of the passport and ensure it is utilised appropriately will ultimately pave the way for positive, long‐lasting change.ConclusionsPassports can be an effective means of communicating reasonable adjustments. Addressing a lack of awareness of its utility, ensuring managerial commitment to implementing reasonable adjustments and making the passport accessible through a standardised format will empower patients to engage with their own care.

The heart of it: dental care and cardiothoracic surgery.

Both dental and cardiovascular disease are prevalent in the general population, have common risk factors and may be closely associated.Following cardiothoracic surgery, patients may be higher risk for developing infective endocarditis (IE) than the general population. Before cardiothoracic interventions, it is common practice for a dental assessment to be carried out and any necessary dental treatment provided. This aims to reduce the risk of IE arising from dental sources and avoid dental pain or infection during the peri- and post-operative period. There is little guidance on which treatments should be performed and when.Many patients with cardiac disease may have dental treatment provided safely in primary care. However, there is often a need to consider additional factors, including bleeding risk, condition stability or medication interactions. Dental teams must have an awareness of the implications of cardiac disease and provide reasonable adjustments to care provision where necessary, ensuring patient safety.This article proposes a protocol for dental management of patients awaiting cardiothoracic surgery and explores important considerations for dental care in this patient group.

Impacts of Long COVID on workers: A longitudinal study of employment exit, work hours and mental health in the UK.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had enormous implications for the world of work. However, there has been relatively little focus on the employment and workforce challenges of the virus in relation to workforce health, beyond the immediate management of the spread of the disease. There is an important gap in understanding the ongoing workforce issues created by the significant incidence of Long COVID in the population. This paper examines the effects of Long COVID on employment and workers' mental health to contribute to understanding of work-limiting health conditions and to offer policy implications for COVID-19 and similar health conditions on employment and the workforce. A large national panel study for the UK is used to estimate the likelihood of exiting employment as well as on changes in working hours and general mental health and happiness of those who remain in work. The sample includes individuals 16 years and older who were in employment in January/February 2020 and followed during the pandemic 2020-2021. Long COVID is self-reported in the data. Informed by conceptual consideration of employment protection in the UK, two groups of individuals with Long COVID are defined based on the duration of symptoms. Group 1 has Long COVID 5-28 weeks after an infection with COVID-19, which is up to the maximum length of Statutory Sick Pay in the UK. Group 2 has symptoms for 29+ weeks, which is beyond the statutory entitlement to sickness pay. Panel regression models are fitted both with fixed-effects and random-effects. Individual and job characteristics are used as controls Those with no COVID-19 symptoms are the reference group. In between-person comparison, Group 2 is at higher risk of exiting employment compared to those with no COVID-19 symptoms. Between-person estimates of mental health and well-being show negative effects of Long COVID for both groups but these are greatest in Group 2. Within-person estimates suggest that factors associated with earnings mediate the negative Long COVID effects on mental health in Group 1 and that Group 2 adapts to working with Long COVID. Group 1 is at risk of working zero hours (i.e. being on sick leave) but neither Group 1 nor Group 2 have a higher probability of working fewer hours compared to those with no COVID-19 symptoms. The negative impact of Long COVID on working hours stems primarily from working zero hours (sickness leave) rather than working fewer hours, suggesting a lack of accommodation by employers of Long COVID at work. The extension of Statutory Sickness Pay and greater flexibility to manage partial (returns to) work would help preserve employment and mental health. Those with Long COVID for 12 months are likely to meet the definition of disability and so have a right to receive reasonable workplace adjustments.

Editorial: The case for more action and more research into healthcare provision and health inequalities for people with intellectual disabilities

Accessible SummariesAge, Sex, and Constitutional Factors Whittle et al. identify how sex impacts mental health service use for women with intellectual disability. Sheerin et al. highlight how age‐specific needs are unmet due to service gaps. Burke et al. identify how age‐related healthcare risks for bone health are different for people with intellectual disability.Living and Working Conditions van den Bemd et al. reported the recording of management of long‐term conditions for patients with intellectual disabilities in long‐term care appears suboptimal. Skoss et al. report on the infrastructure of group home settings in Australia and how after COVID‐19 people living in these settings receive fewer healthcare services.Individual Lifestyle Factors Lunsky et al. explored the use of a ‘check‐in tool’ to support people with intellectual disability proactively.Community and Social Networks Donaldson et al. and Karas et al. highlight systemic issues with eyecare and examine the impact of peer‐to‐peer support and community advocacy on improving access to eye care. Schormans et al. examine the lack of social and community support for homeless youth with intellectual disability. Sykes et al. highlight reasonable adjustments and influence of community and familial attitudes in influencing breast and cervical cancer screening access. Earle et al. detail how broader societal and cultural norms affect menstrual health support. Heslop and Lauer found limited evidence about preventing specific avoidable causes of death in people with intellectual disability and outline the need for ‘whole population’ policy changes. Iffland et al. found that lung infections, choking, flu and heart problems were much more likely to be a contributing cause of deaths for people with intellectual disability. Hatton et al. explore the impact of COVID‐19 on access to health services and highlight severe disruptions during the pandemic which persisted and worsened postpandemic. Beeken et al. detail how stakeholder engagement in research and policymaking can improve health and address health inequalities.