Experiences of mental health services by people with intellectual disabilities from different ethnic groups: a Delphi consultation.
Black adults with ID report chillier mental-health care—probe their medication views early.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team ran a Delphi consultation. They asked adults with intellectual disability to rate their mental-health service experiences.
White British and Black/Black British groups gave separate answers. The goal was to see where views differ.
What they found
White British adults reached clear agreement on most items. They felt services were helpful.
Black/Black British adults did not reach consensus. They voiced less trust, especially about medication.
How this fits with other research
Fyfe et al. (2007) warned that only one strong trial backs antipsychotics for adults with ID. The new finding shows Black clients feel even less comfortable with these drugs.
Riches et al. (2016) tracked 3 299 crisis-referred adults and found Black race predicted higher hospital risk. The Delphi result helps explain why: the same group already sees services as less friendly.
Fisher et al. (2003) built a UK framework to monitor service quality. Their paper did not ask about race; the Delphi study adds that missing voice.
Why it matters
You may have Black clients who stay quiet about side effects. Build extra check-ins about meds. Ask open questions like, "How do you feel about this pill?" A two-minute cultural temperature read could prevent a future crisis admission.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Patient experience of those accessing mental health services has been found to be different between ethnic groups. Although the needs of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) from different ethnic communities are being increasingly recognised, little has been published about their experiences of mental health services. The aim of this study was to establish whether there are any differences in the experiences of people with ID and mental health problems from two ethnic communities in South London. METHOD: A two-round Delphi process was utilised. White British and Black or Black British service users from a specialist community-based mental health service for adults with ID completed a specially compiled questionnaire. Statements on participants' experiences, including satisfaction with care, staff members' attitudes, cultural awareness and level of support, were rated using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 32 participants (75%) completed both rounds of the Delphi consultation. Consensus (≥80% agreement with the group median) was reached for 20 items in the White group and five items in the Black group. All responses that reached consensus were positive about the services that were being received. The Black group were less positive about a range of their experiences, including the use of medication. CONCLUSIONS: People with ID from two ethnic groups were able to successfully complete a Delphi consultation regarding their experiences of mental health services. Broad consensus on positive experiences of services was reached in the White group but not for the Black participants.
Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 2012 · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01494.x