Health and social care interventions which promote social participation for adults with learning disabilities: a review

Abstract

Accessible summary • People with learning disabilities have fewer friends than others;
• Social care interventions are needed to help people to be more socially active in their community;
• This review looks at what research has already been done in this area;
• This is important to people with learning disabilities as it highlights the importance of having friends in, and outside of, services.

Summary
People with learning disabilities are among the most socially excluded in society. There is a significant gap in research evidence showing how health and social care workers can intervene to improve the social participation of adults with learning
disabilities. A systematic review and modified narrative synthesis was used to appraise the quality and outcomes of published studies in this area. Six of eleven included studies showed a positive effect on social participation. Interventions
included person-centred planning, alteration of activity patterns, a befriending scheme and skill-based group sessions. The majority of studies were found to have a moderate risk of bias. Further evidence about the effectiveness of interventions is required to inform policy and practice.