Registered nurses' awareness and implementation of reasonable adjustments for people with intellectual disability and/or autism

Abstract

Aim To describe Australian registered nurses' awareness, and implementation of reasonable adjustments within their practice when caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Additionally, the association between key demographic, workforce, and respondent variables and familiarity of the term and regularity of use was explored. Design Cross‐sectional survey. Methods Survey data were collected between August and October 2020 using an online survey tool. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Familiarity of the concept of reasonable adjustments was relatively low, compared to respondents who report applying adjustments when caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Higher levels of confidence, comfort, and knowledge when caring for this cohort were associated with greater awareness and application of reasonable adjustments. Conclusion A higher volume, and diversity in type of, nursing education related to care for people with intellectual disability and/or autism is indicated.

Barriers to communication with people with developmental disabilities: A reflexive thematic analysis

“…The final survey tool included eight domains focusing on personal and professional demographic information, educational and clinical experience relevant to caring for people with Intellectual Disability and/or autism, and self‐perceived knowledge, comfort, confidence, and preparedness to care for this cohort. This paper focuses solely on one open‐ended free text question within the survey: “If relevant, please specify any challenges or barriers when communicating with people with Intellectual Disability and/or autism.” The other survey findings have been published (Cashin, Pracilio, Buckley, Kersten, et al, 2022; Cashin, Pracilio, Buckley, Morphet, et al, 2022; Wilson et al, 2022). The size of the survey with several key variables, the largest of its kind identified internationally, and the volume of findings resulted in the need for multiple publications to adequately convey the findings and implications.…”

Parents' perspectives on reasonable adjustments in acute healthcare for people with intellectual disability: A qualitative descriptive study

“…Fundamental to supporting reasonable adjustments in an acute hospital setting is addressing the attitudinal and educational needs among healthcare professionals to address pre‐existing bias/attitudes/awareness regarding care provision (Breau et al, 2021; Wilson et al, 2022). Attitudes and stigma are one of the greatest obstacles for individuals with ID in accessing services (Desroches et al, 2019).…”

Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Out-of-Home Care: A Scoping Review

“…Intellectual functioning is typically determined by both IQ and adaptive behaviour tests, with the latter a broad concept covering conceptual (e.g., time, selfdirection, managing money), social (e.g., interpersonal and communication skills, self-esteem, and ability to understand and follow social rules), and practical (e.g., activities of daily living) skills that enable the person to function in their community. People with intellectual disabilities have greater mortality and morbidity compared to the general population [3] with noted health system pathway barriers and limited understanding and application of reasonable adjustments from within the health system [4,5].…”