Piloting, psychometric testing and feasibility studies of adapted DIALOG+ in people with mild to moderate learning disability
The ICONIC study is testing a new way, called DIALOG+, to help people with mild to moderate learning disabilities improve their quality of life and manage challenging behaviours. DIALOG+ is a special tool designed to help individuals and their carers have solution-focused conversations about things they want to change. It's usually done using a tablet. We want to see if adapting this tool for people with learning disabilities can make a real difference. We're testing different parts of the tool, how easy it is for carers to use, and if it helps improve the lives of those involved. The study involves different groups of people, including those with and without learning disabilities, to get a full picture.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project, called ICONIC, is all about finding better ways to support people with mild to moderate learning disabilities. The main goal is to improve their quality of life and help manage challenging behaviours they might experience. Researchers are focusing on a special communication tool called DIALOG+. This tool helps people and their carers work together to talk about what they want to improve in their lives and how to achieve those goals using their existing support.
DIALOG+ works by helping people think about different areas of their life, like their leisure activities or where they live, and then discussing how to make things better. It’s usually done face-to-face with a health professional using a tablet. While DIALOG+ has helped people with mental health problems, it hasn't been used much with people with learning disabilities before. So, this study is adapting it to make it suitable and easy to use for everyone.
The study wants to find out if this adapted DIALOG+ tool can really help people with learning disabilities feel better about their lives and if it can reduce challenging behaviours. Researchers are testing different parts of the tool, how well it works, and what people think of it to make sure it's as helpful as possible for the future.
Key takeaways
- This study tests a new communication tool, DIALOG+, for people with learning disabilities.
- The aim is to improve quality of life and help manage challenging behaviours.
- Participation involves talking about experiences, completing questionnaires, or using the tool.
- You may receive shopping vouchers as a thank you for your time.
- The study is backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) (UK).
Who may be eligible?
To explore if you might be able to take part in this study, here's a general guide. For most parts of the study, you need to be 18 years or older and have a mild to moderate learning disability as noted in your medical records. You also need to be able to understand and agree to take part, either by speaking or in writing.
Some parts of the study are specifically for people who have shown some challenging behaviours in the last three months, like being aggressive, having tantrums, or damaging property. These parts are open to people living in different settings, including their family home or supported living. There's also a part of the study for people between 18 and 65 years old who have a mental health condition but not a learning disability, and who are receiving care from community mental health teams.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a mild or moderate learning disability (as per your health records)?
- Are you able to agree to take part (verbally or in writing)?
- For some parts: have you experienced challenging behaviours (like strong outbursts or aggression) in the last 3 months?
- For one part: are you aged between 18 and 65 with a mental health diagnosis (not learning disability) and seeing a community mental health team?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, what you do will depend on which part you are in. Some people might try out the adapted DIALOG+ tool with a trained professional, giving feedback on what worked and what didn't. This might involve interviews or group discussions. Others might be asked to complete questionnaires about their quality of life and feelings, sometimes twice over a short period (like a week).
Some participants will try the DIALOG+ tool over several months, and researchers will check in to see how things are going and what changes have happened. The meetings for these activities could be face-to-face, online using video calls, or sometimes involve completing forms sent by email or post. The study aims to understand how well the tool works and gather opinions from people using it, as well as their carers and the staff delivering it. You will be told the exact duration for your participation, but overall study parts run from 3 months to over a year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- East London NHS Foundation TrustApproximateLondon, England
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyBodmin, England
- North London NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyLondon, England
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyCambridge, England
Common questions
What is DIALOG+?
DIALOG+ is a special communication tool used to help people talk about what they want to improve in their life and how to achieve those goals.
Who is running this study?
The research is managed by Queen Mary University of London, and Dr. Afia Ali is in charge. It's sponsored by East London NHS Foundation Trust.
Do I have to have challenging behaviour to join?
Not for all parts of the study. Some parts are specifically for people with mild to moderate learning disabilities who have experienced challenging behaviours, but others are not.
Will I get paid for taking part?
You may receive shopping vouchers as a thank you for your time when you participate in interviews, complete assessments, or take part in certain study activities.
Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?
Yes, you can leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect the care you receive.
How to find out more
Laura Miller
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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