Relationships of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Times of Pandemic: An Inclusive Study

(1) Background: Since 2012, our Inclusive Research Team has developed several studies on various topics that interest the co-researchers with intellectual disabilities. In 2021, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-researchers decided to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the relationships of people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this article is to disseminate how this inclusive study was developed and to explain its results;(2) Methods: Co-researchers and academic researchers met six times to make different decisions: decide on the research topic;discuss the topic;prepare an interview script for people with intellectual disabilities;analyse the data obtained;and decide how to disseminate the results of the research. The co-researchers interviewed 10 people with intellectual disabilities and participated as facilitators in 3 focus groups;(3) Results: During the pandemic, digital devices have enabled people with intellectual disabilities to maintain their social relationships. However, the lack of access or support in using them, as well as the restrictions imposed on people with intellectual disabilities living in institutions, have presented significant barriers to maintaining their social relationships;(4) Conclusions: This article shows the difficulties people with intellectual disabilities face in maintaining successful social relationships in times of pandemic, and how we undertook research in an inclusive, virtual manner.

Protection of nephrology health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 epidemic represents a special risk for kidney patients due to their comorbidities and advanced age, and the need for hemodialysis treatment in group rooms. It also represents a risk for professionals responsible for their attention. This manuscript contains a proposal for action to prevent infection of professionals in the Nephrology Services, one of the most valuable assets at the present time. Resumen La epidemia de COVID-19 representa un riesgo especial para los pacientes renales por sus comorbilidades y edad avanzada, y por la realización del tratamiento de hemodiálisis en salas colectivas, pero también supone un riesgo para los profesionales responsables de su atención. El presente manuscrito recoge una propuesta de actuación para prevenir la infección entre los profesionales en los Servicios de Nefrología.