Clients with intellectual disabilities on psychiatric units: care coordination for positive outcomes

Abstract

The transition from residential facilities to and from the psychiatric hospital setting is difficult for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). In the U.S.A., specialized psychiatric units for individuals with ID are uncommon and this population is usually served in generalized services. Nevertheless, providers of mental health services in the U.S.A. receive little training in their specific needs. Best practices call for coordination of plans between psychiatric units and community agencies, multidisciplinary care plans, staff education and comprehensive discharge planning in order to improve outcomes of psychiatric hospitalization. An inner city psychiatric unit in a major academic medical centre and a community agency providing residential care for individuals with ID cooperated to provide a plan of care for a client with ID both for hospitalization and for discharge leading to improved outcomes.

Mental health inpatient experiences of adults with intellectual disability

“…Krch‐Cole et al . () propose that interesting activities similar to those which were evident prior to admission, are maintained. However, constructional responding is about not only maintaining usual activities but also supporting individuals to try out new activities.…”

“…Krch‐Cole et al . () suggest that unless this transition is well managed it can result in negative behavioural responses. Being bored while in hospital was alluded to in a study of the experiences of people with intellectual disability in a general hospital setting where keeping occupied was a priority (Gibbs et al .…”

Implicancias éticas en la atención hospitalaria a personas con discapacidad intelectual: una revisión narrativa

“…Por otro lado, los equipos de salud han manifestado también su posición en el contexto de la atención a las PDI, y refieren que se sienten limitados en el abordaje de sus problemas de salud por falta de capacitación para un enfoque integral, incluso desde el pregrado, así como la falta de motivación para investigar sobre el tema. Por consiguiente, se propone que el mayor contacto con las PDI y la especialización en su cuidado podrían ser un adecuado predictor de emociones positivas en el personal que las atiende y promueva una atención continua, personalizada, lo que fomentará el trabajo en equipo y considerará prioritarios sus intereses (11,(34)(35)(36) .…”

Health Information and the Quality and Safety of Care for People With Disability: An Analysis of Australian Reports of Reviewable Deaths in Residential Care

“…Possible knowledge gaps include hospital staff lacking experience in working with people with disability. 23,26,[28][29][30] Consequently, hospital staff may not apply mealtime or behavioral plans if patients do not have access to their usual support personnel. If health providers are unaware of the general operation of residential services for people with disability, they may discharge patients back to these facilities with care plans or instructions that are not feasible at their residence due to inadequate staffing and/or training shortfalls.…”