Online Resources on Supported Decision‐Making for Irish Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Family and Professional Carers: An Environmental Scan

Background This study aimed to determine what information is publicly available online for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland and their professional and family carers regarding supported decision‐making and the recently commenced Assisted Decision‐Making (Capacity) Act. Methods Potentially eligible online resources identified through a Google search and consultation with relevant experts were reviewed for eligibility using a two‐stage screening process. Resources selected for inclusion underwent data extraction and were assessed for quality and accessibility using a modified version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool. Findings Of 101 resources identified, 13 were deemed eligible for inclusion. Resources were mostly targeted towards professional carers and rarely focused on the everyday decision‐making needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Evaluation of these resources demonstrated poor understandability and accessibility. Conclusions The findings indicate a gap in the provision of practical information on supported decision‐making and the Assisted Decision‐Making (Capacity) Act to people with intellectual disabilities and their decision‐making supporters in Ireland, and highlight the need for the codesign of accessible resources to guide the implementation of supported decision‐making in more everyday contexts that are tailored to the needs and preferences of this cohort.