Postural Care & Quality of Life in Profound Intellectual Disability V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a Framework to Recognise the Effects of 24-Hour Postural Care on the Quality-of-Life of Adults with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: A Modified Delphi Study
IRAS ID
354443
Contact name
Sarah Ballard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background/Rationale: Adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities experience the most severe forms of intellectual and physical disabilities and poorer health outcomes than the general population. As part of their holistic care, the NHS recommends specialist prescription of 24-hour postural care interventions. Promotion of quality-of-life is prioritised as a key outcome indicator, however no guidelines exist about how to recognise or assess this. The impact of postural care interventions on quality-of-life for adults with profound intellectual disabilities has yet to be researched.
Research Aims: To reach agreement about how to recognise the effects of 24-hour postural care interventions on the quality-of-life of adults with profound intellectual disabilities. To create a framework based on this agreement, which can support the assessment and monitoring of quality-of-life as it relates to postural care, underpinning appropriate provision of postural care equipment.
Proposed Method: A modified Delphi study, with a panel of 20-25 experts purposively sampled from across the spectrum of people involved in the processes of assessment, procurement and implementation of postural care equipment.
Proposed Data Collection: 1 round of 1:1 semi-structured interviews, and 2 subsequent rounds of online structured questionnaires.
Proposed Data Analysis: The first-round data will be analysed thematically, and the text collapsed into statements. The statements will be rated against a 7-point Likert scale by participants in rounds 2 and 3, to indicate their level of agreement. Level of consensus will be determined by median and interquartile range. Statements with the highest levels of agreement will be used to create the Indicator Matrix for Postural care And Quality-of-life Through 24 hours (IMPAQT24).REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0334
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion