Health and social care interventions which promote social participation for adults with learning disabilities: a review

an article by Sharon Howarth and David Morris (University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK), Meredith Newlin (University of York, UK; King's College London, London, UK) and Martin Webber (University of York, UK)

published in British Journal of Learning Disabilities Volume 44 Issue 1 (March 2016)

Summary

People with learning disabilities are among the most socially excluded in society. There is a significant gap in research evidence showing how health and social care workers can intervene to improve the social participation of adults with learning disabilities. A systematic review and modified narrative synthesis was used to appraise the quality and outcomes of published studies in this area.

Six of eleven included studies showed a positive effect on social participation.

Interventions included person-centred planning, alteration of activity patterns, a befriending scheme and skill-based group sessions. The majority of studies were found to have a moderate risk of bias. Further evidence about the effectiveness of interventions is required to inform policy and practice.

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