Mental health and COVID‐19: The impact of a virtual course for family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This study evaluated a virtual course for family caregivers from across Canada, focused on supporting the mental health and well‐being of adults with IDD and their families. The evaluation examined the feasibility and acceptability of the course, as well as the impact of the intervention on participants' overall health and well‐being. Methods The 6‐week virtual course, informed by a parallel Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) course for service providers, combined didactic instruction with applied activities. A total of 126 family caregiver course participants consented to be part of the research evaluation delivered over three cycles between October 2020 and April 2021. Attendance was measured at each weekly session. Satisfaction was assessed weekly and post‐program. Learning, self‐efficacy, and well‐being were assessed pre‐ and post‐course, and again at follow‐up (8 weeks post‐course). Mixed‐effects models assessed changes between and within individuals across time. Results Participants had consistent attendance, low‐dropout rates, and reported high satisfaction, with 93% of participants reporting that their expectations for the course were met. Compared with pre‐course, participants reported improved self‐efficacy and well‐being post‐course, which were maintained at follow‐up. Conclusions An interactive and applied virtual education course delivered to a large group of family caregivers of adults with IDD was both feasible and acceptable. It positively impacted participants' well‐being by offering much needed mental health support and creating a peer‐led community of practice.