Web-based support for daily functioning of people with mild intellectual disabilities or chronic psychiatric disorders: A feasibility study in routine practice

• Online support in daily functioning for clients with ID-CPD is feasible.
• Online support does not reduce quality of life, empowerment, mastery, social cohesion or satisfaction with care.
• Online support may reduce the dependence of clients on coaches in daily functioning.
• Online support may improve the independent daily functioning of clients.
• Further research on the development, evaluation and long term impact of online support is needed.

BackgroundPeople with mild intellectual disabilities or chronic psychiatric disorders often experience challenges in important aspects of life and need support in daily functioning. In this study, we examined the feasibility of a web-based program enabling professional support of patients with chronic conditions in their daily functioning.MethodA triangulated research method was applied involving a combination of the results of semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires. We conducted face-to-face interviews with clients (n = 11) and telephone interviews with coaches (n = 10) on their initial experiences with the program. In addition, clients took an online pre-test (n = 39) – post-test questionnaire (n = 30) which measured quality of life, empowerment, mastery, social cohesion and satisfaction with care. Clients and coaches both received a questionnaire to report on the perceived usability of the program.ResultsClients and coaches used the program and were positive about this new way of communicating. Clients were pleased that they could contact the coach at any time and experienced increased control over the support they received. Coaches reported positive effects on the levels of independence among clients, saved time and experienced greater flexibility in their scheduling. The implementation of the program did not lead to changes in quality of life, empowerment, mastery, social cohesion or satisfaction with care. Clients and coaches reported that the usability of the MPC could be improved through the use of an enhanced Internet connection.ConclusionThe initial results of the use of web-based support for this client population seem promising and justify further research on online support for clients with mild intellectual disabilities or chronic psychiatric disorders.