Knowledge and expectations of direct support professionals towards effects of psychotropic drug use in people with intellectual disabilities.

Authors :: de Kuijper G
van der Putten AAJ
Source :: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID [J Appl Res Intellect Disabil] 2017 Dec; Vol. 30 Suppl 1, pp. 1-9. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 May 03.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: Background/introduction: In this study, we investigated intellectual disability support professionals' knowledge and expectations towards effects of psychotropic drug use on behaviour and drug use in their clients, because shortcomings may lead to misinterpretations of behavioural symptoms and inappropriate drug use.<br />Methods: Two self-designed questionnaires were used to measure the knowledge and expectations of 194 support professionals in 14 residential facilities regarding psychotropic drug use and effects of antipsychotics on behavioural, cognitive and mental functioning of people with intellectual disability. The psychometric properties of both questionnaires were adequate.<br />Results: A majority of the professionals had unrealistic expectations regarding the positive effects of antipsychotics on cognitive and behavioural functioning, and 94% scored below the cut-off scores regarding knowledge; 60% indicated they needed education and training.<br />Conclusions: To achieve sufficient collaboration of intellectual disability support professionals in reducing inappropriate psychotropic drug use of clients, vocational educational training is needed.<br /> (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Subjects :: Adolescent
Adult
Antipsychotic Agents administration & dosage
Female
Health Care Surveys
Humans
Intellectual Disability psychology
Male
Middle Aged
Residential Facilities
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
Antipsychotic Agents therapeutic use
Cognition drug effects
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Personnel
Intellectual Disability drug therapy

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