National Virtual Education Program for Care Providers of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Thakur Anupam, Bobbette Nicole, Bond Victoria, Gonzales Angela, Lake Johanna, Lefkowitz Gill, Mia Nadia, Niel Ullanda, Sockalingam Sanjeev, Streisslberger Erica, Thomson Kendra, Volpe Tiziana, Lunsky Yona
Primary Institution: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
Hypothesis
The educational evaluation of the ECHO-AIDD program will show improvements in self-efficacy and competencies among service providers working with adults with IDD during COVID-19.
Conclusion
The ECHO-AIDD educational intervention improved perceived competencies among service providers, highlighting the importance of including individuals with lived experience in training.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of engagement and satisfaction were reported by participants.
- Self-efficacy ratings improved significantly from pre- to post-evaluation.
- Participants valued the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in the program.
- 52% of participants reported a change in practice after the course.
- Participants felt less stressed and more equipped to cope with COVID-19 stressors after the program.
Takeaway
This study shows that a virtual training program helped caregivers feel more confident in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities during the pandemic.
Methodology
The program included six weekly sessions with didactic teaching, wellness check-ins, and case-based discussions, followed by evaluations at three time points.
Potential Biases
Potential differences in experiences between those who completed the evaluation and those who did not.
Limitations
Not all participants completed the research evaluation, and there was no control group to compare changes.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 230 service providers from diverse professional backgrounds across Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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