Gerda de Kuijper1,2, Annette A J van der Putten3. 1. Centre for Intellectual Disability and Mental Health/GGZ Drenthe, Assen, The Netherlands. 2. Department Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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. 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. 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. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve sufficient collaboration of intellectual disability support professionals in reducing inappropriate psychotropic drug use of clients, vocational educational training is needed.
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. 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. 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. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve sufficient collaboration of intellectual disability support professionals in reducing inappropriate psychotropic drug use of clients, vocational educational training is needed.
Authors: Bas Kleijwegt; Addy Pruijssers; Lydie de Jong-Bakker; Koos de Haan; Harmieke van Os-Medendorp; Berno van Meijel Journal: J Appl Res Intellect Disabil Date: 2019-02-20
Authors: Shoumitro Shoumi Deb; Bharati Limbu; Gemma Unwin; Linda Woodcock; Vivien Cooper; Michael Fullerton Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-14 Impact factor: 3.390