Deaths of people with intellectual disabilities: Analysis of deaths in England from COVID‐19 and other causes

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities experience significant health inequities. The aim of this report is to understand the circumstances leading to death from COVID‐19 in people with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: Local areas in England prioritised reviewing 200 deaths of adults with intellectual disabilities. Of these, approximately 80% were required to be deaths from suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 as this was the focus of the study; the remainder from other causes. All deaths occurred between 2 March2020 and 9 June 2020. RESULTS: People with intellectual disabilities differed from the general population in their symptoms of COVID‐19 and age at death. The overall quality of care was rated similar to other deaths of people with intellectual disabilities. Concerns were raised relating to recognising acute deterioration and do not attempt cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Service improvements are indicated in the ways in which people with intellectual disabilities encounter COVID‐19 and experience the disease.