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An exploration of joint working between intellectual disability and acute service providers when people with intellectual disabilities access acute care services: findings from a qualitative study
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Date
2023
Authors
Kelleher, Eileen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background: People with intellectual disabilities often avail of/use intellectual disability services within the community. However, they experience more health needs and are therefore twice as likely to access acute services compared to the general population. Several reports and enquiries have highlighted the sub-optimal care provided to this group while accessing care in acute services. Joint working between intellectual disability and acute services has repeatedly been identified as one measure to address the issues faced by people with intellectual disabilities in acute services.
Aim: The research aimed to explore joint working between intellectual disability and acute service providers when adults and children with intellectual disabilities access acute care services.
Method: A review protocol was first conducted which guided a mixed-method systematic review which explored current evidence of joint working compared to non-joint working. Data were analysed thematically. The findings of this review informed a qualitative descriptive study, which explored intellectual disability service providers experiences of joint working with acute service providers. Ten healthcare professionals took part in semi-structured interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: When present, joint working was found to promote continuity of care. However, both studies found an absence of joint working between acute and intellectual disability services. Joint working was influenced by inter-service communication and both studies identified poor communication and information-sharing between services despite measures being in place to facilitate communication. Confusion regarding the role and responsibilities of service providers was found to negatively impact joint working, and the absence of specific intellectual disability policies and procedures contributed to this confusion. Healthcare professionals in acute services were found to have limited knowledge on the needs of those with intellectual disabilities and the supports available in intellectual disability services. Trust between services was considered important to ensure the future success of joint working.
Conclusion: Benefits and challenges of joint working between both services were identified. Joint working creates better understanding between services and ensures continuity of care for those with intellectual disability. There is a need to strengthen joint working between services by improving communication between services providers to ensure better information-sharing. There is a need to establish the role and responsibilities of each service provider to improve joint working.
Description
Keywords
Intellectual disability , Intellectual disability services , Acute services , Joint working
Citation
Kelleher, E. 2023. An exploration of joint working between intellectual disability and acute service providers when people with intellectual disabilities access acute care services: findings from a qualitative study. MRes Thesis, University College Cork.