[People with Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities as a Vulnerable Population Group in Health Care]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare accessibility
• Disability studies
• Qualitative research methodology

Context:

• Focuses on the healthcare experiences of individuals with mental and multiple disabilities.
• Examines perspectives from both residential facility employees and family members.
• Highlights the care provided by independent physicians.

Purpose:

• To investigate the lived experiences and perceptions of healthcare for individuals with mental and multiple disabilities.
• To identify barriers and facilitators in the healthcare system affecting this vulnerable population.
• To gather insights from frontline staff and family caregivers.

Summary:

• Qualitative research utilizing expert proxy-interviews with 21 participants.
• Identified significant perceived deficits in individualized care, adherence to measurements, and interventions.
• Revealed systemic, structural, qualification, and financial limitations hindering high-quality healthcare.

Impact:

• Underscores critical challenges in current healthcare provision for people with mental and multiple disabilities.
• Calls for further research to gain nuanced understanding and optimize healthcare strategies.
• Provides a foundation for improving health services and support systems for this population.