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Ailey SH, Molly B, Tichá R, Abery B, Khuu BK, Angel L. Health professionals' education related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2024; 37:e13208. [PMID: 38382496 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are among the most underserved in an inequitable healthcare system. METHODS Using Arksey and O'Malley's methodology and a social determinants of health framework, we conducted a scoping review of literature on the state of practice in education of healthcare professionals in the health and healthcare needs of this population. RESULTS Searches found 4948 articles, with 182 included in the final review. Themes identified included gaps of not being informed by workforce needs, continued use of the medical model of care, not addressing intersectionality with racial/ethnic and other discriminations, and lack of involvement of the population in developing/evaluating programs and promising trends of development of competency-based interprofessional programs with experiential learning. CONCLUSION We provide recommendations for best practices in a concerted effort to educate a healthcare workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the health needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Ailey
- Department of Community, Systems, and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bathje Molly
- Occupational Therapy Program, DePaul University, College of Science and Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Renáta Tichá
- Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian Abery
- Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Belle K Khuu
- Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lisa Angel
- Department of Community, Systems, and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Towson G, Daley S, Banerjee S. Intellectual disabilities teaching for medical students: a scoping review. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:818. [PMID: 37915002 PMCID: PMC10621142 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04766-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual disabilities are a marginalized group whose health experiences and outcomes are poor. Lack of skill and knowledge in the healthcare workforce is a contributing factor. In England, there is a new legislative requirement for mandatory intellectual disability training to be given to the existing healthcare workforce, including doctors. There is a lack of evidence about effective models of educational delivery of such training in medical schools. We undertook a scoping review to assess the range of intellectual disabilities educational interventions and their effectiveness. METHODS We included any study from 1980 onwards which reported an educational intervention on intellectual disability, or intellectual disability and autism, for medical students from any year group. Databases searched included PUBMED, ERIC, Scopus and Web of Science as well as searches of grey literature and hand searching two journals (Medical Education and Journal of Learning Disabilities). 2,020 records were extracted, with 1,992 excluded from initial screening, and a further 12 excluded from full-text review, leaving 16 studies for inclusion. Data was extracted, quality assessed, and findings collated using narrative analysis. RESULTS We found a variety of intervention types: classroom-based teaching, simulation, placement, home visits, and panel discussions. There was substantial variation in content. Most studies involved lived experience input. Across studies, interventions had different learning outcomes which made it difficult to assess effectiveness. Overall study quality was poor, with high use of non-validated measures, making further assessment of effectiveness problematic. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for more consistency in intervention design, and higher quality evaluation of teaching in this area. Our review has drawn attention to the variety in teaching on this topic area and further research should focus on updating this review as curriculum changes are implemented over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Towson
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Centre for Dementia Studies, University of Sussex, Trafford Building, Room 101, Falmer, BN1 9RY, UK
| | - Stephanie Daley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Centre for Dementia Studies, University of Sussex, Trafford Building, Room 101, Falmer, BN1 9RY, UK.
| | - Sube Banerjee
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottinham, Nottingham, UK
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Vi L, Jiwa MI, Lunsky Y, Thakur A. A systematic review of intellectual and developmental disability curriculum in international pre-graduate health professional education. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:329. [PMID: 37170246 PMCID: PMC10176941 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing global population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), this population remains especially vulnerable to health disparities through several factors such as a lack of access to sufficient medical care and poor determinants of health. To add, numerous studies have shown that healthcare professionals are still insufficiently prepared to support this population of patients. This review synthesizes the literature on current pre-graduate IDD training programs across healthcare professions with the goal of informing the creation of evidence-based curricula. METHODS Four major databases were searched for current pre-graduate IDD training interventions for healthcare professionals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis flow diagram and the Best Evidence Medical Educations systematic review guide were used to frame our collection and analysis. RESULTS Of the 8601 studies screened, 32 studies were identified, with most studies involving medical students (50%). Of note, 35% of studies were interprofessional. Most interventions utilized multiple pedagogical methods with a majority including clinical experiences (63%) followed by theoretical teaching (59%). Kirkpatrick levels showed 9% were level 0, 6% were level 1, 31% were level 2A, 31% were level 2B, 19% were level 3, 3% were level 4A, and none were level 4B. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of formally evaluated studies in pre-graduate health professional IDD education. As well, there are a lack of longitudinal learning opportunities and integration into formal curriculum. Strengths identified were the use of multimodal approaches to teaching, including interprofessional approaches to optimize team competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Vi
- University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Muhammad Irfan Jiwa
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anupam Thakur
- University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Karachi F, Gosselink R, Hanekom S. Public sector physiotherapists’ organisation and profile: Implications for intensive care service. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2023; 79:1803. [PMID: 37065455 PMCID: PMC10091168 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physiotherapists are essential in the management of hospitalised patients. The way in which a physiotherapy service is offered in intensive care units (ICUs) can affect ICU patient outcomes. Objectives To provide a clear picture of the organisation and structure of physiotherapy departments, the number and types of ICUs requiring physiotherapy services and the profile of physiotherapists working in South African public-sector central, regional and tertiary hospitals that house Level I-IV ICUs. Method Cross-sectional survey design using SurveyMonkey, analysed descriptively. Results One hundred and seventy units (the majority Level I, functioning as mixed [37%, n = 58] and neonatal [22%, n = 37] units) are serviced by 66 physiotherapy departments. The majority of physiotherapists (61.5%, n = 265) were younger than 30 years, had a bachelor's degree (95.1%, n = 408) and were employed in production Level I and community service posts (51%, n = 217) with a physiotherapy-to-hospital-bed ratio of 1:69. Conclusion Insight into the organisational structure of physiotherapy departments and physiotherapists working in public-sector hospitals with ICU facilities in South Africa was provided. It is evident that physiotherapists employed within this sector are young and early in their career development. The large number of ICUs functioning within these hospitals and high bed-to-physiotherapist ratio is concerning, highlighting the high burden of care within this sector and the possible effect on physiotherapy services in the ICUs. Clinical implications A high burden of care is placed on public-sector hospital-based physiotherapists. The number of senior-level posts within this sector raises concern. It is not clear how the current staffing levels, physiotherapist profile and structure of hospital-based physiotherapy departments affect patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Karachi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Community and Health Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rik Gosselink
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Respiratory Rehabilitation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan Hanekom
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Don A, O'Byrne P. Exploring how the diagnostic process stratifies children with intellectual disability navigating the service system in Ontario, Canada. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2022; 26:50-69. [PMID: 32909868 DOI: 10.1177/1744629520954765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Children with intellectual disability experience a higher prevalence of dental disease, obesity, challenging behaviours, and mental health disorders compared to children without intellectual disability. Children with intellectual disability concurrently face health and social service navigational barriers that are associated with unresolved health needs and hospital admissions, and parent burnout and employment interruptions. In this study, we explored the knowledge gap of how carers and governmental agencies, providing services, understand intellectual disability using discourse analysis, and a theoretical framework applying Deleuze and Guattari's concepts of the rhizome and stratification. We found that children with intellectual disability were stratified into eligible or ineligible service recipients through the diagnostic process that prioritized specified characteristics. Carers did not perceive that their children's unique characteristics and needs were accounted for within the diagnostic process and expressed feelings of being dismissed by clinicians and providers in decision-making about priority needs and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Don
- 6363University of Ottawa, Canada
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Almhdawi KA. Influencing Medical Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Related to Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 101:113-118. [PMID: 33657029 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES The aims of the study were to evaluate and to compare the efficacy of an online and a traditionally delivered undergraduate elective course in improving medical students' disability-related knowledge and attitudes. METHODS A randomized controlled design was implemented. Participants were medical students randomly assigned into summer 8-wk disability and the society (OT100) online course, OT100 traditional course, or wellness and lifestyles (PT100) control. Demographics were collected in addition to participants' level disability knowledge and attitudes toward people with disability scale scores (1 wk before the semester and 1 wk after it). Multivariate analysis of covariance using general linear model was conducted to evaluate groups' differences in main outcome measures. RESULTS In total, 198 undergraduate medical students successfully completed the study conditions: OT100 online (n = 74), OT100 traditional (n = 59), and PT100 (n = 65). OT100 groups (traditional and online) change scores were statistical similar for disability knowledge (P = 0.966) and attitudes (P = 0.705) but significantly better (P < 0.001) than the control group. CONCLUSIONS OT100 course delivered traditionally or online seemed effective in improving medical students' disability knowledge and attitudes toward people with disability. More studies are needed to create effective methods improving healthcare professionals' disability-related knowledge and attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khader A Almhdawi
- From the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Ngenzi JL, Scott RE, Mars M. Information and communication technology to enhance continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing medical education (CME) for Rwanda: a scoping review of reviews. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:245. [PMID: 33926419 PMCID: PMC8081763 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02607-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to high quality continuing professional development (CPD) is necessary for healthcare professionals to retain competency within the ever-evolving worlds of medicine and health. Most low- and middle-income countries, including Rwanda, have a critical shortage of healthcare professionals and limited access to CPD opportunities. This study scoped the literature using review articles related to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and video conferencing for the delivery of CPD to healthcare professionals. The goal was to inform decision-makers of relevant and suitable approaches for a low-income country such as Rwanda. METHODS PubMed and hand searching was used. Only review articles written in English, published between 2010 and 2019, and reporting the use of ICT for CPD were included. RESULTS Six review articles were included in this study. Various delivery modes (face to face, pure elearning and blended learning) and technology approaches (Internet-based and non-Internet based) were reported. All types of technology approach enhanced knowledge, skills and attitudes. Pure elearning is comparable to face-to-face delivery and better than 'no intervention', and blended learning showed mixed results compared to traditional face-to-face learning. Participant satisfaction was attributed to ease of use, easy access and interactive content. CONCLUSION The use of technology to enhance CPD delivery is acceptable with most technology approaches improving knowledge, skills and attitude. For the intervention to work effectively, CPD courses must be well designed: needs-based, based on sound educational theories, interactive, easy to access, and affordable. Participants must possess the required devices and technological literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lune Ngenzi
- Department of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Health Informatics, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Richard E. Scott
- Department of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Canada
| | - Maurice Mars
- Department of Telehealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
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An Examination of the Validity of the Health Risk Screening Tool: Predicting Mortality in People With Intellectual Disabilities. J Nurs Meas 2020; 28:73-94. [PMID: 32295856 DOI: 10.1891/jnm-d-18-00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) is a 22-item instrument specifically designed to assess the health risk of persons with developmental disabilities. The predictive validity of the HRST was investigated by examining its ability to predict mortality. METHODS The sample consisted of 12,582 people with an intellectual or developmental disability residing in Georgia (U.S.). Data were analyzed using survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier estimate and Cox regression) and a binary logistic regression. RESULTS All models supported the prognostic value of the six-level health risk classification. The Kaplan-Meier procedure showed clear separation among functions. The Cox proportional hazard regression revealed that hazard is inversely related to the health risk level, even after controlling for potential confounding by gender, ethnicity, and race. CONCLUSIONS The HRST can predict mortality. Therefore, it can serve as a basis for establishing healthcare needs and determining nursing care acuity.
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Busch LPA, Porter J, Barreira L. The untapped potential of behaviour analysis and interprofessional care. J Interprof Care 2019; 34:233-240. [PMID: 31393184 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2019.1633292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Interprofessional collaboration has become a sought-after component of quality mental health care. Higher education institutions and mental health organizations seek to equip clinicians with the ability to provide cohesive clinical services while working collaboratively with a diverse group of professionals. Although research suggests that there may be benefits of interprofessional collaboration in mental health settings, collaborative practice initiatives have struggled with conceptual and methodological limitations. A behaviour analytic contribution to interprofessional care provides a philosophical position with an analytical goal distinguished by the prediction and influence of events, theoretical clarity, and methodological rigour that are needed within interprofessional research and practice. At the philosophical level, the extension of functional contextualism to interprofessional care research may provide a framework to achieve the valued ends of improving interprofessional collaboration and ultimately improving health-related outcomes for service users. Interprofessional collaboration can be conceptualized as metacontingency, a behaviour analytic concept that allows for a group level analysis of contributing social components. This paper uses the example of mental health care to guide a conceptual analysis of the potential application of behaviour analytic methodology within interprofessional practice, research, and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P A Busch
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Forensic Dual Diagnosis Specialty Service, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Porter
- George Brown College, Behavioural Science Program, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lesley Barreira
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic
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Baumbusch J, Moody E, Hole R, Jokinen N, Stainton T. Using Healthcare Services: Perspectives of Community-Dwelling Aging Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Family Members. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jppi.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine Moody
- Schools of Nursing and Occupational Therapy; Dalhousie University; Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Rachelle Hole
- UBC School of Social Work; Kelowna British Columbia Canada
| | - Nancy Jokinen
- UBC School of Social Work; Kelowna British Columbia Canada
- University of Northern British Columbia; Prince George British Columbia Canada
| | - Tim Stainton
- UBC School of Social Work; Kelowna British Columbia Canada
- University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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Trollor JN, Eagleson C, Turner B, Salomon C, Cashin A, Iacono T, Goddard L, Lennox N. Intellectual disability content within pre-registration nursing curriculum: How is it taught? NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2018; 69:48-52. [PMID: 30007147 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite experiencing higher rates of physical and mental health conditions compared with the general population, people with intellectual disability face inequitable access to healthcare services. Improving education of healthcare professionals is one way to reduce these inequalities. OBJECTIVE To determine how intellectual disability content is taught within Australian nursing schools. DESIGN A two-phase audit of Australian nursing curricula content was conducted using an interview and online survey. SETTING Nursing schools Australia-wide providing pre-registration courses. PARTICIPANTS For Phase 1, course coordinators from 31 nursing schools completed an interview on course structure. Teaching staff from 15 schools in which intellectual disability content was identified completed an online survey for Phase 2. METHODS Methods used to teach intellectual disability content and who taught the content were audited using an online survey. RESULTS Across the 15 schools offering intellectual disability content, lectures were the most common teaching method (82% of units), followed by tutorials (59%), workshops (26%), then other methods (e.g. e-learning; 12%). Approximately three-quarters of intellectual disability teaching used some problem-and/or enquiry-based learning. Only one nursing school involved a person with intellectual disability in delivering teaching content. Six (19%) participating schools identified staff who specialise in intellectual disability, and seven (23%) identified staff with a declared interest in the area. CONCLUSION While some nursing schools are using diverse methods to teach intellectual disability content, many are not; as a result, nursing students may miss out on acquiring the attributes which enable them to address the significant health inequalities faced by this group. A specific deficit was identified relating to inclusive teaching and clinical contact with people with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian N Trollor
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, 34 Botany Street, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Claire Eagleson
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, 34 Botany Street, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Beth Turner
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, 34 Botany Street, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Carmela Salomon
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, 34 Botany Street, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Andrew Cashin
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
| | - Teresa Iacono
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, 102 Arnold Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia.
| | - Linda Goddard
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Indigenous Health, Charles Sturt University, P.O. Box 789, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia.
| | - Nicholas Lennox
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 2 Aubigny Place, Mater Hospitals, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.
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Morin D, Valois P, Crocker AG, Robitaille C, Lopes T. Attitudes of health care professionals toward people with intellectual disability: a comparison with the general population. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2018; 62:746-758. [PMID: 29968307 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined attitudes that may promote the social inclusion of persons with an intellectual disability (ID) among health care providers (HCPs). Yet these attitudes could impact the accessibility and quality of services provided to this population, as well as the general attitudes of HCPs. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine HCPs' pro-inclusion attitudes toward people with ID, (2) compare these to the general population's attitudes and (3) examine how HCPs' attitudes vary as a function of their socio-demographic characteristics. METHOD The Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire was administered to 367 HCPs and a representative sample of the Québec population (N = 1605). RESULTS Results indicated that at least half of HCPs displayed positive attitudes, that is, attitudes that are compatible with notions of social inclusion and equal rights, toward individuals with ID. Positive attitudes were less frequently observed for the Interaction and the Sensitivity or tenderness factors measured by the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire. In comparison with the general population, HCPs exhibited more positive attitudes on the Knowledge of causes and Sensitivity or tenderness factors and less positive attitudes on the Interaction factor. HCPs who regarded themselves as more knowledgeable about ID and those who reported higher quality contacts or interactions with persons with ID expressed attitudes that were more favourable toward social inclusion. CONCLUSIONS In addition to providing general knowledge about ID and the specific health care needs of individuals with ID, training programmes should also promote interactions with this population. Further studies are needed to document HCPs' pro-inclusion attitudes toward people with ID and to assess the impact of interventions on these attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - P Valois
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - A G Crocker
- Psychiatry Department, Université de Montréal and Institut Philippe-Pinel de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - C Robitaille
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - T Lopes
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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