Health checks for autistic adults: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
2024

Health Checks for Autistic Adults

Sample size: 200 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Parr Jeremy R., Taylor Helen, Wilson Colin, Scarlett Clare, Al-Asmori Sarah, Buckley Carole, Cooper Sally-Ann, Fernandez-Garcia Cristina, Finch Tracy, Lees Rhianna, Lennox Nicholas, Merrick Hannah, Moss Sebastian, Nicolaidis Christina, Osbourne Malcolm, Raymaker Dora M., Robinson Tomos, Urbanowicz Anna, Wason James M. S., Ingham Barry

Primary Institution: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Hypothesis

Can a primary care health check specifically designed for autistic adults improve the identification and treatment of health conditions?

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a health check for autistic adults, which may help reduce health inequalities.

Supporting Evidence

  • Autistic people often face barriers in accessing healthcare.
  • Health checks can help identify unmet health needs.
  • The study is co-designed with input from autistic individuals and healthcare professionals.
  • Previous health checks for people with intellectual disabilities have shown positive outcomes.
  • The trial aims to provide evidence for implementing health checks in routine care for autistic adults.

Takeaway

This study is trying to see if special health check-ups for autistic adults can help them get better healthcare and feel healthier.

Methodology

A cluster randomised controlled trial comparing a health check intervention for autistic adults against usual care.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in participant selection and response due to the nature of self-reported data.

Limitations

The study may not include autistic adults who have difficulty accessing healthcare services.

Participant Demographics

Autistic adults aged 18 years and over.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s13063-024-08641-5

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