Aim and Objectives
This study explored the usability of a tailored health education resource (Don't Mention the Diet!) for individuals with intellectual disability from the facilitator's perspective. The objectives were to explore facilitators' experiences, identify resource usability, and determine modifications needed for national rollout.
Method
This mixed-method pilot study recruited staff from community hubs of an Irish intellectual disability service to participate. They attended a training session and delivered four lesson plans over 8 weeks. Data were collected via focus group interviews, an adapted User Experience Questionnaire (Laugwitz et al. 2008), and collective journal. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, whilst quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The mean values and standard deviations for each item were calculated. PPI co-designers delivered facilitator training and addressed queries through data collection. UCC Research Ethics Committee granted approval (Log no.: 2023-270).
Findings
The UEQ revealed a highly favourable user experience, with high scores for "Good" (M=6.44, SD=0.73) and "Valuable" (M=6.29, SD=0.70). Key themes were identified from the data: resource interactivity and engagement, flexibility, group dynamics, and need for accessible health information. The resource interactivity, adaptability and flexibility for diverse learners were identified as positive. Participants stressed the importance of attending to group composition and need for accessible health information tailored for adult learners.
Conclusion and Impact
Facilitators found the resource to be usable and flexible when teaching people with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities. Areas for refinement include group dynamics consideration and terminology revision. The study highlighted the need for accessible health information for adults with intellectual disability. This research contributes to understanding the design and implementation of accessible health education resources.