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Highlights: [•] We describe a fidelity-monitoring instrument, the MAnualized Group Intervention Check (MAGIC). [•] The MAGIC is designed to monitor manualized group-based CBT for people with IDs. [•] The MAGIC is easy to use and evidence is presented for its reliability and validity. [•] It is designed for completion by direct observation, so does not require sessions to be recorded. [•] The MAGIC may also be usable for other client groups with cognitive limitations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is relevant in the estimation of improvement in a patient outcome.Aim: To determine the MCID on the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I), widely used to measure the effects of intervention for aggressive challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities.Method and Procedures: We utilised distribution and anchor based methods to estimate the ABC-I MCID. We extracted data from 15 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for meta-analysis. We conducted three online workshops with family carers and professionals to consider meaningful change in case vignettes of increasing severity of aggressive challenging behaviour.Outcomes and Results: We did not find overlap in the range of values between the two approaches. The meta-analysis indicated a range of MCID on the ABC-I (0.05, 4.94) whilst the anchor-based estimation indicated a larger change (6.6, 16.6).Conclusions and Implications: The MCID is essential in interpreting the results from intervention studies. The present work was undertaken as part of a wider programme on the development and testing of a psychosocial intervention for aggressive challenging behaviour, and it is of interest to researchers in justifying how they choose and determine the MCID on the outcome of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our STORM intervention was developed for people (16 +) with intellectual disabilities to enhance their capacity to manage and resist stigma. The current study describes the adaptation of STORM for (synchronous) on-line delivery in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. To adapt the manualised face-to-face STORM group intervention for delivery via web-based meeting platforms and to conduct an initial pilot study to consider its acceptability and feasibility. The 5-session STORM intervention was carefully adapted for online delivery. In a pilot study with four community groups (N = 22), outcome, health economics and attendance data were collected, and fidelity of delivery assessed. Focus groups with participants, and interviews with facilitators provided data on acceptability and feasibility. The intervention was adapted with minimal changes to the content required. In the pilot study, 95% of participants were retained at follow-up, 91% attended at least three of the five sessions. Outcome measure completion and fidelity were excellent, and facilitators reported implementation to be feasible. The intervention was reported to be acceptable by participants. When provided with the necessary resources and support, people with intellectual disabilities participate actively in web-delivered group interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health problems affect people with intellectual disabilities (ID) at rates similar to or in excess of the non-ID population. People with severe ID are likely to have persistent mental health problems. In this systematic review (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015024469), we identify and evaluate the methodological quality of available measures of mental health problems or well-being in individuals with severe or profound ID. Electronic searches of ten databases identified relevant publications. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts of retrieved records (n = 41,232) and full-text articles (n = 573). Data were extracted and the quality of included papers was appraised. Thirty-two papers reporting on 12 measures were included. Nine measures addressed a broad spectrum of mental health problems, and were largely observational. One physiological measure of well-being was included. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped Scale-II and Mood, Interest and Pleasure Questionnaire are reliable measures in this population. However, the psychometric properties of six other measures were only considered within a single study – indicating a lack of research replication. Few mental health measures are available for people with severe or profound ID, particularly lacking are tools measuring well-being. Assessment methods that do not rely on proxy reports should be explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The last decades have seen increased emphasis on the quality of training for direct-care staff serving people with intellectual disabilities. Nevertheless, it is unclear what the key aspects of effective training are. Therefore, the aim of the present meta-analysis was to establish the ingredients (i.e., goals, format, and techniques) for staff training that are related to improvements of staff behaviour. Our literature search concentrated on studies that were published in a period of 20 years. Fifty-five studies met the criteria, resulting in 502 single-subject designs and 13 n >1 designs. Results revealed important information relevant to further improvement of clinical practice: (a) the combination of in-service with coaching-on-the-job is the most powerful format, (b) in in-service formats, one should use multiple techniques, and verbal feedback is particularly recommended, and (c) in coaching-on-the-job formats, verbal feedback should be part of the program, as well as praise and correction. To maximize effectiveness, program developers should carefully prepare training goals, training format, and training techniques, which will yield a profit for clinical practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]