Identifying Research Priorities to Promote the Well-Being of Family Caregivers of Canadians with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Delphi Study

Afolasade Fakolade (), Caitlin Stone and Nicole Bobbette
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Afolasade Fakolade: Louise D. Acton Building, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, 31 George Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Caitlin Stone: Louise D. Acton Building, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, 31 George Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Nicole Bobbette: Louise D. Acton Building, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, 31 George Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 22, 1-15

Abstract: Current programming and resources aimed at supporting the well-being of family caregivers often fail to address considerations unique to those caring for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs). As a result, many caregivers of people with IDD feel isolated, stressed, and burnt out. A targeted research agenda informed by key stakeholders is needed and would allow research teams to coordinate resources, talents, and efforts to progress family caregiver well-being research in this area quickly and effectively. To address this aim, this pilot study used a Delphi design based on 2 rounds of questionnaires. In round 1, 19 stakeholders (18 females, 1 male), including 12 family caregivers, 3 rehabilitation providers, 2 researchers, and 2 organizational representatives, identified broad areas for caregiver well-being research. After collating the responses from round 1, stakeholders were asked to rank whether each area was considered a research priority in round 2. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Eighteen stakeholders completed the round 2 survey (1 caregiver did not complete the round 2 survey), after which a consensus was reached. Stakeholders identified nine broad priorities, including system-level programs and services, models of care, health promotion, social inclusion, equity and diversity, capacity building, care planning along the lifespan, and balancing formal and natural community-based supports. Although preliminary in nature, the research priorities generated using an inclusive and systematic process may inform future efforts to promote the well-being of caregivers of Canadians with IDD.

Keywords: caregivers; developmental disabilities; Delphi technique; research agenda; wellness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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