Co-design and development of a multi-component anxiety management programme for people with an intellectual disability

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to understand the lived experience of people with intellectual disability ofvtheir anxiety and of being co-design partners in developing a multi-component approach to the management of anxiety. Design/methodology/approach – The development of an anxiety manual and programme was part of a service development which allowed existing and established psychological therapies to be adapted for people with intellectual disability. A qualitative approach was used to better understand the views of people who experienced anxiety on a daily basis. The feedback generated was used to make modifications to the manuals and the anxiety management programme. Findings – The study has demonstrated the value of involving people with intellectual disability in the coproduction of an anxiety management programme. Additional findings identified the real-life challenges and experiences of the impact anxiety has on people’s lives. Originality/value – To our knowledge, this is the first study to involve people with intellectual disability in developing an anxiety management programme as co-production partners. This paper underlines the value of understanding and involving people as co-production partners in developing clinical interventions.