Meaningful Engagement: Exploring Principles and Actions to Build Client and Caregiver Engagement Within a Community‐Based Dual Diagnosis Service

• DOI: 10.1111/jar.70033
• Publication Date: 2025-03-23T06:55:25Z
• Authors: Andrea Almas; Rosemary Lysaght; Susan Farrell; Lorrie Heffernan

ABSTRACTBackgroundEngagement of individuals with an intellectual disability and their caregivers in health care has been highlighted as an essential factor in developing services that better meet client needs; however, few studies have focused on the engagement of individuals with a dual diagnosis (intellectual disability co‐occurring with a mental health illness and/or challenging behaviour) in health care.MethodsThis qualitative participatory action study engaged clients and their caregivers in exploring principles and actions that can be applied to build active and meaningful engagement within a specialised community‐based mental health service for adults with a dual diagnosis.ResultsThe four themes that emerged from the data–Collaboration, Communication, Empowering Environment, and Tailored Service–offered a way to conceptualise client and caregiver engagement.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of building a culture of service delivery that values, encourages, and supports client and caregiver engagement. Practical strategies for increasing engagement are provided.