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Reasonable adjustments in cancer care for people with intellectual disabilities: Perspectives of Australian healthcare professionals

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities experience inequities across the cancer continuum. Reasonable adjustments are critical to reducing barriers and ensuring equitable care. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on reasonable adjustments in cancer care for people with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 healthcare professionals with experience in Australian cancer care settings. Deductive-inductive thematic analysis was conducted using the COM-B model as a guiding framework. Data were organised under Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour domains, with subthemes generated inductively. RESULTS: Healthcare professionals were largely unfamiliar with the term 'reasonable adjustments' despite reporting some use in practice. Participants reported limited training and resources, and system- and policy-level barriers and facilitators. CONCLUSION: Transformative change is needed to ensure consistent application of reasonable adjustments in cancer care. This study highlights opportunities in policy, practice, and health-system processes to enhance accessible cancer care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Source: Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability

DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2026.2699534

Authors: Annabel Sexton, Michelle Bellon, Jennifer Baldock

Institution: Flinders University

Language: English

Topic: Down syndrome and intellectual disability research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Flinders University