259208 Developing an innovative strategy for improving health communication with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Alexa White, BA, MPH Candidate , Behavioral Sciences & Health Promotion, New York Medical College School of Health Sciences & Practice, Valhalla, NY
Penny Liberatos, PhD , School of Health Sciences & Practice, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
David O'Hara, PhD , Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla, NY
Background: Individuals with IDD are disproportionately prone to limited health literacy which is exacerbated by how health information is presented-a form often not understandable by people with IDD. Purpose: To use information technology to improve the functional capability of people with IDD in assessing satisfaction with quality of health care. Methods: Patient satisfaction and quality of care questions were selected from the CAHPS survey and were modified and content validated by an expert panel. They were pilot-tested by reading the questions out loud to IDD participants and difficulties with question wording were noted and revised. The final 34- question survey was then converted into an iPad application where questions and response choices were displayed and read to the participant who listened via headphones. Each question could be replayed and the participant could go forward or back in the survey. This iPad application was tested with 10 IDD individuals with mild to moderate disability. The demographic questions were completed with the researcher in part to train the participant how to use the application before they completed the remainder of the survey on their own. Results: Six males and 4 females aged 21-69 years participated in the study. 80% were able to complete the survey independently and averaged only one request for assistance. All participants enjoyed taking the iPad survey and compared to a paper survey, 4 of 5 felt they could be more honest. Conclusion: Overall this appears to be a promising approach to improving health communication with individuals with IDD.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1) Identify 3 factors that contribute to poor health outcomes for individuals with IDD. 2) Explain how information technology can be useful in improving health communication with individuals with IDD.

Keywords: Computer-Assisted, Health Literacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I had the major responsibility for the development of the questionnaire, worked with the company that developed it into the iPad application, and administered the surveys.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.