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Guan Q, Garg R, McCormack D, Lunsky Y, Tadrous M, Campbell T, Gomes T. Impact of COVID-19 on psychoactive medication use among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario, Canada: A repeated cross-sectional study. Disabil Health J 2024:101649. [PMID: 38876963 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for worsening mental health among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during COVID-19 sparked concerns for increased use of psychoactive medications. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of COVID-19 on psychoactive medication use and clinical monitoring among individuals with IDD in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study among individuals with IDD and examined weekly trends for psychoactive medication dispensing and outpatient physician visits among those prescribed psychoactive medications between April 7, 2019, and March 25, 2023. We used interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models to determine the impact of the declaration of emergency for COVID-19 (March 17, 2020) on the aforementioned trends. RESULTS The declaration of emergency for COVID-19 did not significantly impact psychoactive medication use among individuals with IDD. Provision of clinical monitoring remained relatively stable, apart from a short-term decline in the weekly rate of outpatient physician visits following the declaration of emergency for COVID-19 (step estimate: 21.26 per 1000 individuals [p < 0.01]; ramp estimate: 0.88 per 1000 individuals [p = 0.01]). When stratified by mode of delivery, there was a significant shift towards virtual care (step estimate: 78.80 per 1000 individuals; p < 0.01). The weekly rate of in-person physician visits gradually increased, returning to rates observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2023. CONCLUSION Although access to clinical care remained relatively stable, the shift towards virtual care may have negatively impacted those who encounter challenges communicating via virtual mediums. Future research is required to identify the support systems necessary for individuals with IDD during virtual health care interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Guan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St. 4th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada; ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Ria Garg
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | | | - Yona Lunsky
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St. 8th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada; Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1025 Queen St. W, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, 76 Grenville St., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Tonya Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St. 4th floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada; ICES, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada.
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Walsh TJ, Kalb LG, Gemmell M, Liu J, Caburnay CA, Gurnett CA, Newland JG. Assessment of COVID-19 Messaging Strategies to Increase Testing for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2024; 94:551-561. [PMID: 38551064 PMCID: PMC11088980 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study's goal was to assess the effectiveness of 2 messaging strategies on participation in SARS-CoV-2 weekly testing. METHODS Cluster randomized trials were conducted at 2 school systems, the special school district (SSD) and Kennedy Krieger Institute (Kennedy) to assess messaging strategies, general versus enhanced, to increase weekly screening for SARS-CoV-2. Testing was offered to staff and students from November 23, 2020 to May 26, 2022. The primary outcomes were percentage of students and staff consented weekly and percentage of study participants who had a test performed weekly. Generalized estimating equation models were utilized to evaluate the primary outcomes. RESULTS Increases in enrollment and testing occurred during study start up, the beginning of school years, and following surges in both systems. No statistical difference was observed in the primary outcomes between schools receiving standard versus enhanced messaging. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY Frequent and consistent communication is vital for families and staff. Weekly screening testing within schools is possible and highlighted the importance of utilizing equitable protocols to provide important testing to students with IDD. CONCLUSION Enhanced messaging strategies did not increase the number of participants enrolled or the percentage of enrolled participants being tested on a weekly basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Walsh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Luther G Kalb
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 3901 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA
| | - Michael Gemmell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jingxia Liu
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, 4921 Parkview Pl, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Charlene A Caburnay
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, 6350 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA
| | - Christina A Gurnett
- Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jason G Newland
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Lunsky Y, Lake J, Thakur A. The Power of Partnerships to Identify and Address Mental Health Concerns Experienced by Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 129:96-100. [PMID: 38411240 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-129.2.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
There are significant research gaps with regard to understanding and addressing the mental health concerns of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. In this article, we reflect on research we have carried out about mental health and IDD prior to and during the pandemic in Ontario, Canada. We aim to address how partnering with people with IDD, family caregivers, service providers, and policy makers can help accelerate needed progress in this area. We conclude with some lessons learned during the pandemic about what to emphasize in building and maintaining such partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yona Lunsky
- Yona Lunsky, Johanna Lake, and Anupam Thakur, Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | - Johanna Lake
- Yona Lunsky, Johanna Lake, and Anupam Thakur, Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | - Anupam Thakur
- Yona Lunsky, Johanna Lake, and Anupam Thakur, Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
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Safar Y, Formuli F, Volpe T, St John L, Lunsky Y. "Everything has changed since COVID": Ongoing challenges faced by Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities during waves 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2024:17446295241229364. [PMID: 38266144 DOI: 10.1177/17446295241229364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in many ways, impacting their health and wellbeing. Early in the pandemic, the research team delivered a six-week virtual group-based program to help Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities cope and better manage their mental health. The study's objective was to explore ongoing concerns among individuals with intellectual disabilities following their participation in this education and support program. Thematic analysis was used to analyze participant feedback provided eight weeks after course completion. Twenty-four participants were interviewed in January 2021 and May 2021 across two cycles of the course. Three themes emerged: 1) employment and financial challenges; 2) navigating changes and ongoing restrictions; and 3) vaccine anticipation and experience. These findings suggest that despite benefiting from the program, participants continued to experience pandemic-related challenges in 2021, emphasising the need to continually engage people with intellectual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Safar
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fatima Formuli
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tiziana Volpe
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura St John
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kim J, Roy I, Sanchez J, Weir P, Nelson R, Jones K. Differences in Telemedicine Use Between People With and Without an Intellectual or Other Developmental Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241226540. [PMID: 38243770 PMCID: PMC10799588 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241226540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Telemedicine utilization of people with an Intellectual or Other Developmental Disability (IDD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic is not well known. This study compares telemedicine utilization of those with and without IDD prior to the pandemic to after it began. Using the Utah All Payers Claims Database from 2019 to 2021, the study identified telemedicine utilization of adults aged 18 to 62 years old in 2019. Propensity score matching was used to minimize observed confounders of subjects with and without IDD in 2019. Negative binomial regression was used to identify factors that were associated with telemedicine utilization. The final number of subjects in the analysis was 18 204 (IDD: n = 6068, non-IDD: n = 12 136 based on 1:2 propensity score matching). The average (SD) age of the subjects was 31 (11.3) years old in 2019. Forty percent of the subjects were female, about 70% of subjects were covered by Medicaid in 2019. Average (SD) number of telemedicine use in 2020 (IDD: 1.96 (5.97), non-IDD: 1.18 (4.90); P < .01) and 2021 (IDD: 2.24 (6.78) vs 1.37 (5.13); P < .01) were higher for the IDD group than the non-IDD group. The regression results showed that the subjects with IDD had 56% more telemedicine encounters than those in the non-IDD group (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.56, P < .01). The growth of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to reduce persistent healthcare disparities in individuals with IDD. However, quality of telemedicine should be considered when it is provided to improve health of subjects with IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Weir
- University of Utah Medical Group Population Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Kyle Jones
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Selick A, Durbin J, Hamdani Y, Rayner J, Lunsky Y. Accessibility of Virtual Primary Care for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38916. [PMID: 35951444 PMCID: PMC9400841 DOI: 10.2196/38916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented increase in the delivery of virtual primary care. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) have complex health care needs, and little is known about the value and appropriateness of virtual care for this patient population. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the accessibility of virtual primary care for patients with IDDs during the pandemic. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 38 participants in Ontario, Canada between March and November 2021. A maximum variation sampling strategy was used to achieve a diverse sample including 11 adults with IDDs, 13 family caregivers, 5 IDD support staff members, and 9 primary care physicians. An iterative mixed inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach was used to code the data and synthesize higher-level themes. The analysis was informed by the Levesque Patient-Centered Access to Health Care Framework. Results We identified themes related to 4 of 5 access-to-care dimensions that highlighted both the benefits and challenges of virtual care for adults with IDDs. The benefits included saving time spent traveling and waiting; avoiding anxiety and challenging behavior for patients who struggle to attend in-person visits; allowing caregivers who live far away from their loved ones to participate; reducing illness transmission; and allowing health care providers to see patients in their home environments. The challenges included lack of access to necessary technology, lack of comfort or skill using technology, and lack of nonverbal communication; difficulty engaging and establishing rapport; patient exclusion from the health care encounter; and concerns about privacy and confidentiality. An overarching theme was that “one size does not fit all,” and the accessibility of virtual care was dependent on the interaction between the following 5 categories of factors: patient characteristics, patient context, caregiver characteristics, service context, and reason for a particular primary care visit. Though virtual care was not always appropriate, in some cases, it dramatically improved patients’ abilities to access necessary health care. Conclusions This study suggests that a flexible patient-centered system including multiple delivery modalities is needed to ensure all patients have access to primary care. Implementing this system will require improved virtual care platforms, access to technology for patients and caregivers, training for primary care providers, and appropriately aligned primary care funding models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avra Selick
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Durbin
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yani Hamdani
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rayner
- Alliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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