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Psychological Practitioners' Perceived Barriers and Solutions for Facilitating Access to Mental Health Services for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

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Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

Published online on

Abstract

["Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, Volume 39, Issue 3, May 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nBackground\nPeople with intellectual disabilities have the right to access mainstream healthcare services. However, research highlights barriers to accessing services and recommends reasonable adjustments to improve this.\n\n\nMethod\nFocus groups were held with 21 staff from adult mental health services, including the intellectual disability service in Somerset, UK, to identify barriers and solutions to improve access. Reflexive thematic analysis was used, and change ideas were generated.\n\n\nResults\nFour themes were identified: service barriers to making reasonable adjustments, the need for adequate training, the need for joint working, and reasonable adjustments in practice. Staff reported awareness of adjustments but variable knowledge and confidence in implementing them. Participants highlighted service constraints and wanted increased flexibility, joint working, and clearer record keeping.\n\n\nConclusions\nFrom the identified barriers, change ideas were developed and solutions proposed to improve service access. Future service improvements and research need to meaningfully involve people with intellectual disabilities.\n\n"]