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Using individualised communication for interviewing people with intellectual disability: a case study of user-centred research
- Authors:
- CAMBRIDGE Paul, FORRESTER-JONES Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 28(1), March 2003, pp.5-23.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The importance of participative research methodologies is now widely acknowledged. A case study using individualised communication for interviewing people with intellectual disability in outcome and quality of life research is reported. The methodology and processes employed are described and lessons for the wider application of the model identified. In collaboration with Somerset Total Communication and local speech and language therapists, researchers from the Tizard Centre developed a flexible communication strategy for involving service users, drawing on core, local and individual vocabularies and using signs, graphic symbols and photographs to supplement spoken English. Individualised communication was used both to ascertain informed consent to participation in the research and to conduct the user interview. The initiative was part of a wider study looking at the outcomes and costs of community care 12 years on from de-institutionalisation. The approach was found to facilitate user participation compared with previous follow-ups, with wider lessons evident for user involvement.
User focus groups and Best Value in services for people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- CAMBRIDGE Paul, McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 9(6), November 2001, pp.476-489.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Examines the problems and potentials of employing user focus groups as part of an approach to defining and reviewing Best Value in local authority and jointly commissioned services for people with learning disabilities. Drawing on experience from three local authority initiatives and wider experience with Best Value, the article describes the development of user focus groups for helping review adult placement, outreach and day services for people with learning disabilities. The key methodological considerations for consulting with service users with learning disabilities through focus groups are identified and the interpretation of outcomes considered. Concludes with pointers for the effective operation of user focus groups in local authority Best Value reviews of services for people with learning disabilities, of use to practitioners, service managers and commissioners.