A Scoping Review of Outcomes Measured and Involvement of People With Intellectual Disabilities in Active Support Research.

BACKGROUND

Active Support is a staff practice that aims to increase engagement of people with intellectual disabilities. This study seeks to: (1) identify the outcomes of staff using Active Support and how these are measured; (2) identify how the views of people with intellectual disabilities have been included in Active Support research.

METHOD

A scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed articles about Active Support published between 2009 and 2023.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles were identified. Outcomes included engagement, the quality of staff support, choice and challenging behaviour. Structured observations were the most frequently used measurement method. Only two studies explored people with intellectual disabilities' perspectives about Active Support.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent use of similar measures is a strength of Active Support research. Including perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities may provide insight into dimensions of support not been measured and assist in further developing these measures and Active Support practice.