Nurses' role in caring for people with a comorbidity of mental illness and intellectual disability: A literature review

Abstract

This article examines literature on the role of the nurse caring for people with a dual disability (DD) of intellectual disability and mental illness. A search of the literature between 2000 and 2010 resulted in a total of 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Seven key categories of the role of the nurse were identified: (i) advocacy/health promotion (including working with family); (ii) assessment/case management; (iii) behavioural interventions; (iv) communication; (v) leadership and the nurse's role within the multidisciplinary team; (vi) functions regarding medication administration; and (vii) safety/risk management. There is a paucity of research about the role of nurses working with people with DD, although a number of opinion-based articles exist. This article identifies a need for the role of the nurse working in DD to be more clearly articulated and for the development of evidence to guide best practice.

A Social Constructionist Appreciation of the mental health inpatient nursing care for people with intellectual disability

“…It is acknowledged that responding to the unique needs of an individual, who often does not have the ability to provide subjective information, is incredibly complex Taua, et al, 2011). Close liaison with intellectual disability specialists and other natural supports that are known to the individual are also recommended.…”

“…Skills such as recognising typical and atypical symptomatology, understanding and responding to communication differences, and recognition of the contextual impacts of life experiences (Taua, Hepworth, & Neville, 2011). Several authors however suggest that while the nursing response is critical there is minimal empirical evidence regarding appropriate nursing assessment, decision making and pragmatic intervention frameworks in this field.…”

“…However, this research was too often undertaken about people with intellectual disabilities rather than inclusive of them or previously undertaken without their consent and therefore without safeguards Taua, et al, 2011). to undertake more research on disability issues (Ministry of Social Development, 2007) and to ensure this research should be including the voice of those with disabilities.…”

“…The amount of research about issues faced by both people with intellectual disability and the health care services they access has increased (Taua, Hepworth, & Neville, 2011).…”

“…have the communication, understanding and observation skills to identify both typical and atypical symptomatology; are aware of the impact negative life events may have on an individual; and are then able to amalgamate this information into an effective and holistic health plan (Taua, Hepworth, & Neville, 2011). While several authors suggest that quality, understanding and knowledge base of staff working within mental health settings where people with intellectual disability are admitted is critical, gaps in the research evidence around effective assessment, decision making and proactive intervention remain While research is this field is increasing, some of it incorporating the views of people with intellectual disability as shown, much of it still appears to be in response to debate around the most appropriate site to deliver mental health care and the complexity of diagnosing and treating mental illness in this group and less about personal experiences of inpatient admission .…”