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Riobóo-Lois B, Frieiro P, González-Rodríguez R, Verde-Diego C. Personal assistance, independent living, and people with disabilities: An international systematic review (2013-2023). Disabil Health J 2024; 17:101630. [PMID: 38679543 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The article discusses the contribution of personal assistance for the independent living of people with disabilities. This right is evolving at different speeds internationally, presents controversial aspects, and is under continuous debate. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the evidence relating to the promotion of self-determination and independent living through personal assistance. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A search for relevant literature published was conducted during March 2023 across nine databases. The findings of the included studies were coded and analyzed via inductive content analysis. RESULTS 26 articles were included, mostly qualitative, from four different continents. The analysis revealed six different key themes. The social framework highlighted the influence of international agreements and disability activism on cultural shifts in understanding disability. Secondly, healthy relationships and life or service expectations were emphasized. Key agents included users, personal assistants, family members, service providers, and other professionals. Personal assistants' work context explored ethical dilemmas, training, and working rights. Decision-making about personal assistance involved factors like lack of information, access requirements, and funding. Lastly, the implications underscored the positive impact of personal assistance on independent living, while identifying threats, and best practices for improvement. CONCLUSION This systematic review was the first to explore the promotion of independent living of people with disabilities through personal assistance schemes and highlights the need for governments to prioritize and coordinate efforts to ensure access for all, emphasizing the ethical imperative to progress toward social justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breogán Riobóo-Lois
- Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Estudos en Traballo Social: Investigación e Transferencia (GETS-IT), Facultade de Educación e Traballo Social (2-2-3), Rúa do Doutor Temes s/n, Campus das Lagoas, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Social Work Studies Group: Research and Transfer (GETS-IT), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro - Bloque Técnico - Planta 2, Estrada Clara Campoamor nº 341, 36312, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Paula Frieiro
- Social Work Studies Group: Research and Transfer (GETS-IT), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro - Bloque Técnico - Planta 2, Estrada Clara Campoamor nº 341, 36312, Vigo, Spain; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, University School of Social Work, Praza da Inmaculada, 5, 15704, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Rubén González-Rodríguez
- Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Estudos en Traballo Social: Investigación e Transferencia (GETS-IT), Facultade de Educación e Traballo Social (2-2-3), Rúa do Doutor Temes s/n, Campus das Lagoas, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Social Work Studies Group: Research and Transfer (GETS-IT), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro - Bloque Técnico - Planta 2, Estrada Clara Campoamor nº 341, 36312, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Carmen Verde-Diego
- Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Estudos en Traballo Social: Investigación e Transferencia (GETS-IT), Facultade de Educación e Traballo Social (2-2-3), Rúa do Doutor Temes s/n, Campus das Lagoas, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Social Work Studies Group: Research and Transfer (GETS-IT), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro - Bloque Técnico - Planta 2, Estrada Clara Campoamor nº 341, 36312, Vigo, Spain.
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Topping M, Douglas J, Winkler D. "You're supporting the whole person": A grounded theory study of quality support according to close others of people with neurological disability. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:45-73. [PMID: 36480012 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2153149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Close others of people with acquired neurological disability often play a key role in supporting their relative to get necessary support, and therefore have valuable insight into what facilitates quality support. Situated within a series of studies aiming to build a holistic model of quality support grounded in the lived experience of adults with acquired neurological disability, support workers and close others, this study explores the perspective of close others. METHOD Following grounded theory methodology, ten close others participated. In-depth interview data was analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods to develop themes and explore relationships between the themes. RESULTS A multi-level system model characterizing quality support at three levels was developed. Key factors at the dyadic level included the support worker recognizing the person as an individual and the dyad working well together. At the team level, it was important for the support team, close others, and providers to engage constructively together. At the sector level, building quality systems to develop the workforce emerged as essential. CONCLUSIONS The findings complement the perspective of people with disability and support the key notion of quality support honouring the person's autonomy and highlight the need to raise accountability in the disability sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Topping
- Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Summer Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacinta Douglas
- Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Summer Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Di Winkler
- Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Summer Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
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Topping M, Douglas JM, Winkler D. Factors that influence the quality of paid support for adults with acquired neurological disability: scoping review and thematic synthesis. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 44:2482-2499. [PMID: 33049158 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1830190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Theoretically, individualised funding schemes empower people with disability (PWD) to choose high quality support services in line with their needs and preferences. Given the importance of support, the aim of this scoping review was to understand the factors that influence the quality of paid disability support for adults with acquired neurological disability. METHODS A comprehensive scoping review of the published literature from 2009-2019 was conducted on five databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus. RESULTS Of the 3391 records retrieved, 16 qualitative articles were eligible for review. Thematic synthesis of the findings revealed six key interrelated themes: (1) choice and control, (2) individualised support, (3) disability support worker (DSW) qualities, (4) DSW competence, (5) PWD - DSW relationship, and (6) accessing consistent support. The themes depict factors influencing the quality of paid disability support from the perspective of PWD, close others and DSWs. CONCLUSIONS Although the evidence base is sparse, the factors identified were in line with international rights legislation and policy ideals. The findings can provide insights to PWD hiring and managing support, and facilitate the delivery of quality disability support. Further research is required to understand the interactions between the factors and how to optimise support in practice.Implications for rehabilitationThe quality of paid disability support is determined by a multitude of interrelated factors influenced by the disability support worker's qualities and competencies, the interaction between the person with disability and the disability support worker, as well as external contextual factors.Optimising choice and control for adults with acquired neurological disability and providing individualised support should be a significant focus for disability support workers.Training modules for disability support workers can be informed by five of the identified themes: (1) choice and control, (2) individualised support, (3) DSW qualities, (4) DSW competence and (5) the relationship between PWD and DSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Topping
- Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.,Summer Foundation Ltd, Blackburn, Australia
| | - Jacinta M Douglas
- Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.,Summer Foundation Ltd, Blackburn, Australia
| | - Dianne Winkler
- Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.,Summer Foundation Ltd, Blackburn, Australia
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Porter T, Shakespeare T, Stöckl A. Performance management: a qualitative study of relational boundaries in personal assistance. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2020; 42:191-206. [PMID: 31773761 PMCID: PMC7004150 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Personal assistance (PA) is a model of support where disabled people take control of recruiting, training and managing the people that support them. Personal assistance differs from other forms of care, such as domiciliary or informal care, because the disabled person is in control of how, when and by whom they are supported. With the advent of personal health budgets, PA is no longer limited to social care but is also central to future NHS services and funding arrangements. The aims of this study were to gain a deeper understanding of PA relationships, and to explore how both parties manage interpersonal challenges. We report on data from 58 qualitative interviews with disabled employers and personal assistants. Applying concepts from Goffman's (1959) scheme of impression management, we present an analysis of the relational dynamics that occur when two people cooperate in shared endeavours. Goffman's concepts of team members and non-persons, in addition to the themes of regions and information control, aid a more fundamental understanding of the relational dynamics that occur between disabled employers and their PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Porter
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | | | - Andrea Stöckl
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
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Lerum SV, Solbraekke KN, Frich JC. Healthcare professionals' accounts of challenges in managing motor neurone disease in primary healthcare: a qualitative study. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2017; 25:1355-1363. [PMID: 28226395 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive neurological disease causing muscle wasting, gradual paralysis and respiratory failure, with a life expectancy of 2-4 years. In order to better understand how MND is managed in the community, we conducted a qualitative study to explore the challenges healthcare professionals encounter when managing MND in primary healthcare. Based on data from 15 semi-structured interviews with primary healthcare professionals in Norway, we found that MND is viewed as a condition that requires exceptional effort and detailed planning. Healthcare professionals reported five main challenges in managing MND in primary healthcare: (i) building relationships with those giving and receiving care in the home; (ii) preventing caregiver burnout and breakdown; (iii) providing tailored care; (iv) ensuring good working conditions in patients' homes; and (v) recruiting and retaining qualified nursing assistants. Healthcare professionals reported needing working conditions that allow them to tailor their approach to the personal, emotional and existential nature of care preferences of those living with MND. However, people with MND and their families were sometimes perceived by healthcare professionals to prefer a strictly task-focused relationship with care providers. Such relationships limited the healthcare professionals' control over the MND trajectory and their capacity to prevent family caregiver burnout and breakdown. Adequate resources, along with training and support of nursing assistants, may increase the continuity of nursing assistants. Responsiveness to patient and family needs may enhance collaboration and promote tailored primary care and support for patients with MND and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan C Frich
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Israelsson-Skogsberg Å, Lindahl B. Personal care assistants' experiences of caring for people on home mechanical ventilation. Scand J Caring Sci 2016; 31:27-36. [PMID: 27126367 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to describe personal care assistants' (PCA) experiences of working with a ventilator-assisted person at home. METHODS Data were collected from fifteen audiotaped semistructured interviews with PCAs supporting a child or adult using home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Thirteen women and two men participated; their working experience with HMV users ranged from one to 17 years (median 6 years). Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis in an inductive and interpretive manner. FINDINGS Five categories emerged from the data: Being part of a complex work situation; Taking on a multidimensional responsibility; Caring carried out in someone's home; Creating boundaries in an environment with indistinct limits; and Being close to another's body and soul. CONCLUSIONS The participants felt very close to the person they worked with, both physically and emotionally. They had a great responsibility and therefore a commensurate need for support, guidance and a well-functioning organisation around the HMV user. There is international consensus that advanced home care will continue to expand and personal care assistance is key in this development. We suggest that one way to move forward for PCAs working with HMV users is to create multiprofessional teams led by a key-person who coordinates the individual needs. More research is needed within this area from a broad perspective including the HMV-assisted persons, relatives, personal care assistants and management organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Berit Lindahl
- Borås University College, Faculty of Caring Sciences, Work Life & Social Welfare, Borås, Sweden
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Axelsson AK. The Role of the External Personal Assistants for Children with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Working in the Children's Home. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2014; 28:201-11. [DOI: 10.1111/jar.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Karin Axelsson
- School of Health Sciences and Swedish Institute of Disability Research; Jönköping University; Jönköping Sweden
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