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Ellis R, Williams K, Brown A, Healer E, Grant A. A realist review of health passports for Autistic adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279214. [PMID: 37682898 PMCID: PMC10490970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is a normal part of cognitive diversity, resulting in communication and sensory processing differences, which can become disabling in a neurotypical world. Autistic people have an increased likelihood of physical and mental co-occurring conditions and die earlier than neurotypical peers. Inaccessible healthcare may contribute to this. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are paper-based or digital tools which can be used to describe healthcare accessibility needs; they are recommended in UK clinical guidance. However, questions remained as to the theoretical underpinnings and effectiveness of AHPs. METHODS We undertook a systematic literature search identifying studies focused on AHPs for adults (aged over 16 years) from five databases. Included literature was subjected to realist evaluation. Data were extracted using a standardised form, developed by the research team, which considered research design, study quality for realist review and the Context, Mechanisms and Outcomes (CMOs) associated with each AHP tool. FINDINGS 162 unique records were identified, and 13 items were included in the review. Only one item was considered high quality. Contextual factors focused on the inaccessibility of healthcare to Autistic patients and staff lack of confidence and training in supporting Autistic needs. Interventions were heterogeneous, with most sources reporting few details as to how they had been developed. The most frequently included contents were communication preferences. Mechanisms were often not stated or were inferred by the reviewers and lacked specificity. Outcomes were included in four studies and were primarily focused on AHP uptake, rather than Outcomes which measured impact. CONCLUSION There is insufficient evidence to conclude that AHPs reduce the health inequalities experienced by Autistic people. Using an AHP tool alone in a healthcare Context that does not meet Autistic needs, without the inclusion of the local Autistic community developing the tool, and a wider intervention to reduce known barriers to health inequality, may mean that AHPs do not trigger any Mechanisms, and thus cannot affect Outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ellis
- Centre for Lactation Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Williams
- Autistic UK CIC, Llandudno, Wales, United Kingdom
- School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Brown
- Centre for Lactation Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Healer
- School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Aimee Grant
- Centre for Lactation Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Aston M, Sweet K, McAfee E, Price S, Sheriko J, Monaghan J, Filliter J, Walls C, McGrath P, Vanderlee E, Bye A. Snap shot: Achieving better care through a one-page personal health profile. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2021; 25:230-241. [PMID: 31544589 DOI: 10.1177/1744629519873503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) can have complex health conditions that require intense and ongoing care management by multiple healthcare professionals (HCPs). Families often experience frustrations and challenges sharing necessary information about their children's unique emotional and communicative needs with HCPs. In turn, these needs are often poorly documented and shared with other HCPs. This contributes to compromised care and frustrations for families and HCPs. We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups to examine how 10 parents and 3 HCPs experienced provision of care for children with ID, as well as their suggestions for developing a one-page personal health profile (PHP) to improve communication. Parents suggested including behavioural descriptors rather than diagnoses. All participants believed a one-page PHP that was child and parent led would be very helpful and would improve communication between HCPs, parents and children leading to effective and supportive care.
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Walsh C, Lydon S, O'Dowd E, O'Connor P. Barriers to Healthcare for Persons with Autism: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Development of A Taxonomy. Dev Neurorehabil 2020; 23:413-430. [PMID: 36112897 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1716868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This review aimed to 1) synthesize extant research on barriers to healthcare access experienced by persons with autism, their caregivers, and health-care providers; and 2) present a taxonomy of barriers to physical healthcare for individuals with autism.Method: Systematic searches were conducted in five electronic databases. Methodological rigor was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. Thematic analysis was used to classify barriers and to develop a taxonomy.Results: In total, 31 articles were included in the review. The resulting taxonomy consisted of four themes: 1) Challenges Associated with Autism-related Characteristics; 2) Health-care Provider-based Issues; 3) Healthcare System Issues; and 4) Patient-related factors.Conclusions: Barriers to healthcare access for persons with autism are prevalent and occur at the patient, provider, and system levels. The taxonomy developed may facilitate measurement of barriers within health-care facilities and prompt identification of areas where interventions are warranted to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Walsh
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Lydon
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Emily O'Dowd
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Paul O'Connor
- National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Shoesmith W, Chua SH, Giridharan B, Forman D, Fyfe S. Creation of consensus recommendations for collaborative practice in the Malaysian psychiatric system: a modified Delphi study. Int J Ment Health Syst 2020; 14:45. [PMID: 32577126 PMCID: PMC7304147 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is strong evidence that collaborative practice in mental healthcare improves outcomes for patients. The concept of collaborative practice can include collaboration between healthcare workers of different professional backgrounds and collaboration with patients, families and communities. Most models of collaborative practice were developed in Western and high-income countries and are not easily translatable to settings which are culturally diverse and lower in resources. This project aimed to develop a set of recommendations to improve collaborative practice in Malaysia. METHODS In the first phase, qualitative research was conducted to better understand collaboration in a psychiatric hospital (previously published). In the second phase a local hospital level committee from the same hospital was created to act on the qualitative research and create a set of recommendations to improve collaborative practice at the hospital for the hospital. Some of these recommendations were implemented, where feasible and the outcomes discussed. These recommendations were then sent to a nationwide Delphi panel. These committees consisted of healthcare staff of various professions, patients and carers. RESULTS The Delphi panel reached consensus after three rounds. The recommendations include ways to improve collaborative problem solving and decision making in the hospital, ways to improve the autonomy and relatedness of patients, carers and staff and ways to improve the levels of resources (e.g. skills training in staff, allowing people with lived experience of mental disorder to contribute). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the Delphi method is a feasible method of developing recommendations and guidelines in Malaysia and allowed a wider range of stakeholders to contribute than traditional methods of developing guidelines and recommendations.Trial registration Registered in the National Medical Research Register, Malaysia, NMRR-13-308-14792.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Shoesmith
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Curtin University, Miri, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - Sze Hung Chua
- Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang, Ministry of Health, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | | | - Dawn Forman
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Sue Fyfe
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Jahn R, Ziegler S, Nöst S, Gewalt SC, Straßner C, Bozorgmehr K. Early evaluation of experiences of health care providers in reception centers with a patient-held personal health record for asylum seekers: a multi-sited qualitative study in a German federal state. Global Health 2018; 14:71. [PMID: 30029605 PMCID: PMC6054720 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-018-0394-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provision of high-quality medical care to asylum seekers represents a key challenge in many countries of the European Union. Especially continuity of care has been difficult to achieve as the migrant trajectory moves asylum seekers across and within European countries. Patient-held personal health records (PHR) have been proposed to facilitate the transfer of medical history between health sectors and providers, but so far there is no data to support its use in the migrant setting. The present paper addresses this knowledge gap by exploring the experiences and practices of healthcare providers in reception centers for asylum seekers using a patient-held PHR as well as the perceived associated benefits and shortcomings. METHODS Early evaluation by means of a multi-sited qualitative study in six asylum seeker reception centers in five cities in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, conducted between November 2016 and January 2017. The PHR evaluated in this study was implemented in five of these reception centers between February and October 2016; the remaining one only receiving patients with the PHR through transfer from the other facilities. 17 interviews were conducted with physicians and nurses working at these reception centers exploring their experiences, routines, and perspectives regarding the patient-held PHR. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed following the approach of thematic analysis. RESULTS Healthcare providers recognise the potential of a patient-held PHR to improve access to medical history. They use the PHR to document their medical consultations and to collect other medical reports. However, physician adherence to the patient-held PHR was described as unsatisfactory, in particular among external doctors, thus limiting its immediate benefit. Reasons given for this low adherence included lack of information before implementation, demanding working conditions with little support, low perceived benefits depending on the degree of fragmentation of settings, parallel existence of other documentation platforms and strained patient relationships. CONCLUSION A patient-held PHR could improve the availability of health-related information in reception centers if a context-sensitive implementation process achieves high adherence to the PHR among physicians as well as high patient compliance and includes guidelines regarding its adequate integration into local routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Jahn
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Ziegler
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Nöst
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Claudia Gewalt
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Straßner
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kayvan Bozorgmehr
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Northway R, Rees S, Davies M, Williams S. Hospital passports, patient safety and person-centred care: A review of documents currently used for people with intellectual disabilities in the UK. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:5160-5168. [PMID: 28881074 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To review hospital passports currently in use for people with intellectual disabilities in the UK and to make recommendations for practice. BACKGROUND Hospital passports have been introduced internationally to address communication barriers that may limit access to appropriate health care for people with intellectual disabilities. They are viewed as promoting patient safety and person-centred care but their format may vary, they are not always used appropriately, and hence, their effectiveness may be limited. DESIGN Qualitative content analysis. METHODS Sixty hospital passports in use in the UK were reviewed against a coding frame by two members of the research team. Areas of interest included key patient and primary care information, support network details, consent and capacity, support required in relation to activities of daily living, length of the document and completion details. Results were entered into Excel. RESULTS Considerable variation was found between documents in terms of terminology, length and format. Most included information regarding communication and support needs although some omitted important information such as allergies, risk assessment and need for reasonable adjustments. CONCLUSIONS Considerable variation exists between current hospital passports, which may limit their effectiveness: key information required may not be included and/or it may not be easy to locate. Greater standardisation of documents is required, but this process should include input from all key stakeholders. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Internationally nurses provide care for people with intellectual disabilities and others with communication difficulties. Hospital passports are one way of enhancing safety and person-centred care, need to be accessed and used as a basis for care planning. However, variation in format may limit this effectiveness and nurses should work with others to develop a more standardised approach, which better meets the needs of all stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Northway
- School of Care Sciences, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Stacey Rees
- School of Care Sciences, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Michelle Davies
- Llanfrechfa Grange, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran, UK
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Nurse Practitioners Promoting Physical Activity: People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. J Nurse Pract 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lennox N, McPherson L, Bain C, O'Callaghan M, Carrington S, Ware RS. A health advocacy intervention for adolescents with intellectual disability: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Dev Med Child Neurol 2016; 58:1265-1272. [PMID: 27343021 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Adolescents with intellectual disability experience poorer heath than their peers in the general population, partially due to communication barriers and knowledge gaps in their health history. This study aimed to test a health intervention package against usual care for a range of health promotion and disease detection outcomes. METHOD A parallel-group cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with Australian adolescents with intellectual disability living in the community. Randomization occurred at school level. The intervention package consisted of classroom-based health education, a hand-held personalized health record, and a health check. Evidence of health promotion, disease prevention, and case-finding activities were extracted from general practitioners' records for 12 months post-intervention. RESULTS Clinical data was available for 435 of 592 (73.5%) participants from 85 schools. Adolescents allocated to receive the health intervention were more likely to have their vision (odds ratio [OR] 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-6.1) and hearing (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.0-7.3) tested, their blood pressure checked (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.6-3.7), and weight recorded (OR 4.8; 95% CI 3.1-7.6). There was no difference between health intervention and usual care for identification of new diseases. INTERPRETATION The school-based intervention package increased healthcare activity in adolescents with intellectual disability living in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Lennox
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mater Research Institute-UQ, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Lyn McPherson
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mater Research Institute-UQ, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Chris Bain
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Michael O'Callaghan
- Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Suzanne Carrington
- School of Learning & Professional Studies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Robert S Ware
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mater Research Institute-UQ, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,UQ Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Sheehan R, Gandesha A, Hassiotis A, Gallagher P, Burnell M, Jones G, Kerr M, Hall I, Chaplin R, Crawford MJ. An audit of the quality of inpatient care for adults with learning disability in the UK. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010480. [PMID: 27091821 PMCID: PMC4838729 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To audit patient hospital records to evaluate the performance of acute general and mental health services in delivering inpatient care to people with learning disability and explore the influence of organisational factors on the quality of care they deliver. SETTING Nine acute general hospital Trusts and six mental health services. PARTICIPANTS Adults with learning disability who received inpatient hospital care between May 2013 and April 2014. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Data on seven key indicators of high-quality care were collected from 176 patients. These covered physical health/monitoring, communication and meeting needs, capacity and decision-making, discharge planning and carer involvement. The impact of services having an electronic system for flagging patients with learning disability and employing a learning disability liaison nurse was assessed. RESULTS Indicators of physical healthcare (body mass index, swallowing assessment, epilepsy risk assessment) were poorly recorded in acute general and mental health inpatient settings. Overall, only 34 (19.3%) patients received any assessment of swallowing and 12 of the 57 with epilepsy (21.1%) had an epilepsy risk assessment. For most quality indicators, there was a non-statistically significant trend for improved performance in services with a learning disability liaison nurse. The presence of an electronic flagging system showed less evidence of benefit. CONCLUSIONS Inpatient care for people with learning disability needs to be improved. The work gives tentative support to the role of a learning disability liaison nurse in acute general and mental health services, but further work is needed to confirm these benefits and to trial other interventions that might improve the quality and safety of care for this high-need group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Sheehan
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aarti Gandesha
- College Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | | | - Pamela Gallagher
- College Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Matthew Burnell
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Glyn Jones
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael Kerr
- Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ian Hall
- Tower Hamlets Community Learning Disability Service, London, UK
| | - Robert Chaplin
- College Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Michael J Crawford
- College Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
- Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Chinn D. Review of Interventions to Enhance the Health Communication of People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Communicative Health Literacy Perspective. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2016; 30:345-359. [PMID: 26887631 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communicative health literacy is a term relating to the range of competencies and capabilities patients bring to the task of seeking information about their health and sharing it with others. This exchange can be problematic for people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this review was to synthesize findings from interventions designed to improve health communication for people with intellectual disabilities. MATERIALS AND METHOD Available evidence was systematically reviewed, and findings from 14 articles were synthesized in a narrative review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Interventions addressed communicative aspects of health consultations, taking into account emotional factors and social context. Questions remain about how such interventions might impact on real-life health consultations and how issues of power might be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Chinn
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London, London, UK
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McPherson L, Ware RS, Carrington S, Lennox N. Enhancing Self-Determination in Health: Results of an RCT of the Ask Project, a School-Based Intervention for Adolescents with Intellectual Disability. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2016; 30:360-370. [DOI: 10.1111/jar.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lyn McPherson
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability; Mater Research Institute-UQ; The University of Queensland; South Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Robert S. Ware
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability; Mater Research Institute-UQ; The University of Queensland; South Brisbane Qld Australia
- UQ; Child Health Research Centre; The University of Queensland; South Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Suzanne Carrington
- School of Learning & Professional Studies; Queensland University of Technology; Kelvin Grove Qld Australia
| | - Nicholas Lennox
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability; Mater Research Institute-UQ; The University of Queensland; South Brisbane Qld Australia
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Lennox N, Van Driel ML, van Dooren K. Supporting primary healthcare professionals to care for people with intellectual disability: a research agenda. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2015; 28:33-42. [PMID: 25530572 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast health inequities experienced by people with intellectual disability remain indisputable. Persistent and contemporary challenges exist for primary healthcare providers and researchers working to contribute to improvements to the health and well-being of people with intellectual disability. Over two decades after the only review of supports for primary healthcare providers was published, this paper contributes to an evolving research agenda that aims to make meaningful gains in health-related outcomes for this group. METHODS The present authors updated the existing review by searching the international literature for developments and evaluations of multinational models of care. RESULTS Based on our review, we present three strategies to support primary healthcare providers: (i) effectively using what we know, (ii) considering other strategies that offer support to primary healthcare professionals and (iii) researching primary health care at the system level. CONCLUSIONS Strengthening primary care by supporting equitable provision of health-related care for people with intellectual disability is a much needed step towards improving health outcomes among people with intellectual disability. More descriptive quantitative and qualitative research, as well as intervention-based research underpinned by rigorous mixed-methods evaluating these strategies at the primary care level, which is sensitive to the needs of people with intellectual disability will assist primary care providers to provide better care and achieve better health outcomes. ACCESSIBLE ABSTRACT Many people with intellectual disability have poor health. The authors reviewed what has been written by other researchers about how to improve the health of people with intellectual disability. In the future, people who support adults with intellectual disability should continue doing what they do well, think of other ways to improve health, and do more research about health. At all times, the needs of people with intellectual disability should be the greatest concern for those trying to support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Lennox
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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