Caring for adults with intellectual disabilities: perceived challenges for nurses in accident and emergency units

Abstract

Increased awareness is needed among professionals in accident and emergency units of the abilities and needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Emergency Psychiatric Service Use by Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Living With Family

“…Caregivers attributed these problems to a lack of knowledge and professional training about ID. A handful of studies have focused specifically on the experiences of individuals with ID and their caregivers in the ED (Iacono & Davis, 2003 Lunsky, Gracey, & Gelfand, 2008;Sowney & Barr, 2006;Weiss, Lunsky, Gracey, Canrinus, & Morris, 2009). Only three of these studies specifically examined experiences in the ED related to psychiatric crises Lunsky et al, 2008;Weiss et al, 2009).…”

‘We need to be the centrepiece’: Adults with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs discuss the roles and needs of family carers in hospital

“…Dependence upon family carers might alleviate hospital staff anxiety about providing care to the adults with developmental disability [8] and reassure family carers that the person is getting the care he or she needs in hospital [14], and also benefit the patient through them gaining access to basic care in hospital [2,3]. However, the results of this study indicate that adults with cerebral palsy and CCN might feel disempowered and disenfranchised from decisions about their care own care through being dependent upon their family carers, particularly if hospital staff preferentially interact with the family carer and rely upon them to speak on the patient's behalf.…”

“…The positive aspects to involving family members in care at the bedside are recognised [8,30]. The successful involvement of family members in care not only capitalises upon their expertise but fosters positive working relationships with health professionals and families in healthcare delivery [30,31].…”

Nursing Education About People with Intellectual Disability. An International Perspective

“…From: Strengthening the commitment: The Report of the UK Modernizing Learning Disabilities Nursing Review (p. 7) inclusion in pre-registration nursing programs [ 17 ]. Closure of institutions led to the development of community IDD services teams and may have led to fragmentation of the IDD nurse's role.…”

“…Nurses in various health settings such as the emergency room may overly rely on caregivers due to fear and vulnerability and lack of knowledge [ 7 ]. Without appropriate knowledge of the individual, suggested interventions may not be optimal to meet the health needs of the individual [ 8 ] (Box 158.1 ).…”