ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze qualitative evidence on the experiences of Canadian women aged 18 years or above living on a low income. The review will examine the intersectionality of their identities and privileges when accessing mental health services, with the aim of informing targeted interventions and policy improvements. INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing body of research on mental health disparities and a call for improved mental health care, both globally and in Canada, there is a need to identify recommendations for system enhancement and to improve gender equality by understanding the nuanced experiences of accessing mental health care for Canadian women living on a low income. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include qualitative studies conducted within the past decade about women of diverse backgrounds aged 18 years or above who identify as living on a low income and who have resided in Canada for 6 months or longer. Studies using any qualitative methodology will be included. METHODS: The following databases will be searched for published studies: MEDLINE and PsycINFO (Ovid); CINAHL and Pre-CINAHL (EBSCOhost); LiSSa; and Google Scholar. Searches for unpublished studies will include the Primo Central Index, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and the Canadian Women's Foundation Studies. The review will include studies published in English and French in Canada, from 2013 to the present. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence will be followed, informing study selection, appraisal, extraction, synthesis, and assessment of confidence, which will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023430100.
ABSTRACT
Children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) can have complex health conditions that require intense and ongoing care management by multiple healthcare professionals (HCPs). Families often experience frustrations and challenges sharing necessary information about their children's unique emotional and communicative needs with HCPs. In turn, these needs are often poorly documented and shared with other HCPs. This contributes to compromised care and frustrations for families and HCPs. We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups to examine how 10 parents and 3 HCPs experienced provision of care for children with ID, as well as their suggestions for developing a one-page personal health profile (PHP) to improve communication. Parents suggested including behavioural descriptors rather than diagnoses. All participants believed a one-page PHP that was child and parent led would be very helpful and would improve communication between HCPs, parents and children leading to effective and supportive care.
Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Child , Communication , Family , Humans , Parents , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Patient-oriented research engages patients and caregivers as partners contributing to all phases of the research process. This was the goal of the Strongest Families Institute Neurodevelopmental research, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when they included a parent advisory committee, made up of parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with a neurodevelopmental condition, to complete their research project. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the experiences of researchers and parents of children with a neurodevelopmental condition who participated on a research study advisory committee for the Strongest Families Neurodevelopment research project. From interviews with both parents/caregivers and researchers that played a role on the advisory committee, four major themes emerged on how to negotiate and navigate their time on the committee and what worked well and what did not. This led to recommendations for future researchers and patients who may create or be a part of an advisory committee.
