Although children with physical disabilities face unique physical and social challenges
that negatively impact their mental health, they do not receive targeted supports to
promote mental wellbeing and prevent mental health difficulties. Further, when they
experience mental health difficulties, they face fragmented care and difficulty
accessing mental health support because of their co-occurring diagnosis of a physical
disability. Our previous research in Ireland highlighted the pressing need to develop
targeted supports for children with physical disabilities in Ireland that promote mental
wellbeing, prevent development of mental health difficulties and improve timely
access to mental health supports.
This project aims to support implementation of Ireland’s Sharing the Vision: a Mental
Health Policy for Everyone by co-producing mental health supports that address the
mental health needs of children with physical disabilities in Ireland. We will address
the aim using experience-based co-design, an established approach that involves
health professionals, service users and families working together to improve
healthcare. In work package 1, we will explore health professionals’ experiences of
mental health support for children with physical disabilities using in-depth semistructured
interviews. In work package 2, we will work with health professionals,
people with disabilities and families to co-produce mental health supports based on
their experiences. In work package 3, we will investigate readiness for implementing
co-produced supports across mental health services, primary care and disability
services using an online survey. Additionally, we will evaluate the process of
experience-based co-design to co-produce mental health supports with people with
disabilities, families and health professionals in order to contribute to the National
Mental Health Research Strategy’s goal of enhancing co-production in mental health
research.
This project will promote mental wellbeing and reduce mental health difficulties
among children with physical disabilities, and improve outcomes among those who
experience mental health difficulties.
