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Simulation training to support healthcare professionals to meet the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- BILLON Gregorie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 10(5), 2016, pp.284-292.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of education and training in addressing health inequalities in intellectual disabilities, before examining innovative approaches to healthcare education. Preliminary findings of a simulation training course to support healthcare professionals to work with people with intellectual disability are then presented. Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a mixed methods design to assess the impact of the simulation course. Quantitative data were collected using the Healthcare Skills Questionnaire and a self-report confidence measure; qualitative data were collected using post-course survey with free text responses to open questions. Findings: Healthcare skills and confidence showed statistical improvements from pre- to post-course. Qualitative analyses demonstrated that participants perceived improvements to: attitudes, communication skills, reasonable adjustments, interprofessional and multi-disciplinary working, knowledge of key issues in working with people with intellectual disabilities. Practical implications: Encouraging findings imply that simulation training to address health inequalities in intellectual disabilities is a valuable resource that merits further development. This training should be rolled out more widely, along with ongoing longitudinal evaluation via robust methods to gauge the impact on participants, their workplaces, and people with intellectual disabilities. Originality/value: The authors believe this paper to be the first to assess an interprofessional, high-fidelity simulation course, using actors as simulated patients to address the mental and physical health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The rigorous use of co-production and co-delivery, alongside promising findings for this training method, represent a useful contribution to the literature. (Publisher abstract)
Improving services for people with learning disabilities and dementia: findings from a service evaluation exploring the perspectives of health and social care professionals
- Authors:
- CHAPMAN Melanie, LACEY Huma, JERVIS Nicola
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46(1), 2018, pp.33-44.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This study, conducted as part of a wider service evaluation, explored community learning disability team perspectives on screening, pathways, training, information and supports developed to improve services for people with learning disabilities and dementia. Methods: A focus group was held with health and social care professionals working in community learning disability services. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: The dementia screening, pathways and processes had become embedded in practice, leading to a common framework, an efficient, multidisciplinary, proactive approach, earlier detection and diagnosis of dementia and identification of other health needs and issues. This avoided crisis situations supporting people to remain at home longer. Training and information were felt to improve care quality and reduce caregiver anxiety. People with learning disabilities and caregivers were involved to varying extents. External influences impacting on support included the availability, appropriateness, cost and effectiveness of different models of service provision. Conclusions: Service developments have been made as a result of the findings which suggest that dementia pathways and supports improve service provision and outcomes for people with learning disabilities. It is important to develop the evidence base on the effectiveness of different service models for people with learning disabilities and dementia. Future studies need to gather views of people with learning disabilities and carers. (Edited publisher abstract)
The experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers in general hospitals: a focus group study
- Authors:
- GIBBS S.M., BROWN M.J., MUIR W.J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(12), December 2008, pp.1061-1077.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have higher levels of health needs compared with the general population, many of which are unrecognised and unmet. While there has been interest and research into the primary health provision for this group, there has been a more limited focus on addressing their care received in general hospitals. Access to health care has predominated in the literature, with less attention being paid to the experiences of people with ID as users of general hospital care. A qualitative focus group methodology was used. Eleven adults with ID, nine parents and five paid carers of adults with ID participated. The focus groups were audiotaped and transcriptions were analysed using principles of grounded theory. The analysed data highlighted key themes identified from the experiences of participants. These were the interrelated issues of feelings, particularly anxiety and fear, communication and behaviour problems; the practicalities of being in or attending hospitals, including the role played by carers; and issues around perceived discrimination and negative comments. The experiences of participants in this study concur with and add to concern expressed in recent reports and published research. Wide ranging implications are discussed for further research, wider policy development, clinical practice, local health service provision and education of health professionals.
Treat me right: better healthcare for people with a learning disability
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 35p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This report confirms that the NHS has a poor track record in dealing effectively with people with a learning disability. As a result, people with a learning disability have poorer health, greater health needs and shorter lives. There is a real concern that negative, discriminatory attitudes and poor communication skills amongst healthcare staff contribute to this unfortunate state of affairs. For many years it has been NHS policy that people with a learning disability should have equal access to mainstream services. Despite good intentions on the part of the Government and healthcare services – as demonstrated by good policy and practice guidance, ministerial and prime ministerial commitment – people with a learning disability still get a poor deal.
Secondary healthcare and learning disability: results of consensus development conferences
- Authors:
- CUMELLA Stuart, MARTIN David
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities, 8(1), March 2004, pp.30-40.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Many people with learning disabilities live shorter lives and have poorer health than the rest of the population. This results in part from less access to healthcare, and several studies have evaluated ways of improving primary healthcare for this group. Much less attention has been paid to the experiences of people with a learning disability in general hospitals. This exploratory study used consensus development conferences of people with a learning disability, their supporters, family, professionals and managers. It was reported that hospitals frequently failed to communicate with, provide emotional support for, or adapt to the specific needs of patients with a learning disability. Hospital staff noted that community services failed to provide information about patients, and that hospital staff lacked training in communicating with people with a learning disability. Fieldwork identified a range of solutions to deal with these problems, most of which involved incremental changes in hospital and community health procedures.
Adults with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease:comparison of services received in group homes and in special care units
- Author:
- CHAPUT Jenifer L.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 38(1/2), 2002, pp.197-211.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
An increasing number of people with Down syndrome are at risk of dementia resulting from Alzheimer's disease. Many reside in community group homes. When they are affected by dementia, the challenge to agencies providing group homes is how to best provide continued housing and provide effective dementia-related care management. In the general population, long term care is typically provided in nursing facilities, often in special care units (SCUs). This study evaluated select factors found in group homes andSCUs to determine which is able to provide a better quality of life for people with Downsyndrome affected by dementia. Results indicate that group homes can provide conditions associated with better quality of life and, additionally, operate with lower staffing costs due to the non-utilization of medical staff.