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Qualitative Study on Perceived Barriers to Psychological Care for Individuals With Intellectual Disability and
1Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK.
Background:
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United Kingdom and often results in significant physical, emotional and communication challenges. These difficulties can severely hinder access to psychological care, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), who already face health inequalities. This study explored healthcare staff's perspectives on barriers to psychological care for stroke survivors with ID.
Method:
Nine participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive descriptive thematic analysis.
Results:
Three main themes emerged: (1) Barriers linked to patient dependence, (2) challenges in understanding patients' internal experiences and (3) resource limitations in delivering psychological care. These themes reflected ongoing disparities reported in the literature for individuals with ID.
Conclusion:
Stroke survivors with ID and communication difficulties experience distinct barriers to psychological care. Findings highlight the need for further research, increased staff training, and service improvements to promote more equitable healthcare access.
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