Using a hospital passport from the perspective of adults with intellectual disabilities, family carers and health professionals: a qualitative study

This article explores the experiences of the use of the Regional Health and Social Care Hospital Passport (Regional Hospital Passport) in Northern Ireland from the perspectives of adults with intellectual disabilities, family carers and health professionals. From semi-structured interviews three themes emerged: usefulness; facilitators; and barriers to the use of the Regional Hospital Passport. There were clear benefits of the Hospital Passport when used across hospital services and clinical practice settings such as dental and General Practices. There was participant agreement that communication and the person-centred care experiences were enhanced. Findings suggest that providers of health and social care services need to take greater responsibility and accountability for ensuring Regional Hospital Passports are promoted and used across all settings. There is a requirement to develop the wider use and uptake of hospital passports to support adults with intellectual disabilities, with potential for use with other patient groups.