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Freeman M, Crawford A, Gough L, Rianto M, Yakubov R, Rampton G, FitzGerald E, Fang H, Di Rezze B. Examining the development and utilization of infection control policies to safely support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in congregate living settings during COVID-19. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 113:918-929. [PMID: 36068435 PMCID: PMC9447963 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congregate living settings supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have experienced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the development and utilization of infection control policies in congregate living settings supporting individuals with IDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This qualitative study employed an interpretive description using semi-structured interviews involving administrative personnel from agencies assisting those with IDD residing in Developmental Services congregate living settings in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals from 22 agencies. Thematic analysis revealed three categories: Development of infection control policies, Implementation of infection control policies, and Impact of infection control policies. Each category yielded subsequent themes. Themes from the Development of infection control policies category included New responsibilities and interpreting the grey areas, and Feeling disconnected and forgotten. Four themes within the Implementation of infection control policies category included, "It's their home" (i.e. difficulty balancing public health guidance and organizational values), Finding equipment and resources (e.g. supports and barriers), Information overload (i.e. challenges agencies faced when implementing policies), and Emerging vaccination (i.e. perspective of agencies as they navigate vaccination for clients and staff). The category of Impact of infection control policies had one theme-Fatigue and burnout, capturing the impact of policies on stakeholders in congregate living settings. CONCLUSION Agencies experienced difficulties developing and implementing infection control policies, impacting the clients they serve and their families and staff. Public health guidance should be tailored to each congregate living setting rather than generally applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Freeman
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Alainna Crawford
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Laura Gough
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Michelle Rianto
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Rebecca Yakubov
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Glenn Rampton
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Emily FitzGerald
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Hanna Fang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Briano Di Rezze
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 436, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada.
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada.
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Letts E, Freeman M, Gambino C, Di Rezze B. A scoping review of measures examining the environments of persons with neurodevelopmental disorders in a supported housing setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 70:559-570. [PMID: 38983484 PMCID: PMC11229748 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2099508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Having a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) can impact the abilities of an individual in many areas of life, including the ability to live independently. The environment of an individual impacts their day-to-day life throughout their lifespan. To improve supported housing experiences, it is important to map the evidence, especially relating to quality and satisfaction with the environment (as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework). This has been exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, therefore more insight is needed in measuring this. Objective and methods: This scoping review searched 5 health and social science databases with the objective to identify and examine the outcome measures that integrate aspects of the environment that examine supported housing in individuals with NDD. Results and discussion: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. We found that most measures targeted the satisfaction of individuals about their environment, with the ICF Support and Relationships factor of the environment assessed most. Measures were most often completed by a proxy through an interview. This work enhances our understanding of aspects of the environments of supported housing that are currently measured, laying an essential base for future research to improve the lives of individuals with NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse Letts
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Matt Freeman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Caterina Gambino
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Briano Di Rezze
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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