Abstract

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are medically underserved, thereby exhibiting both acute and chronic health disadvantages. Many medical providers - physicians in particular - do not have a working knowledge of the unique medical needs of patients with IDD. In addition to this IDD knowledge gap, the interactions of healthcare professionals with such patients sometimes reflect the wider society’s discomfort and intolerance toward people with IDD. This study uses experiential reflections from nurses and direct service providers who commonly treat patients with IDD to promote the enhancement of medical care to this vulnerable population. As frontline health workers, their insights illuminate current gaps and improvement opportunities concerning advocacy, treatment plans, and the delivery of effective care for patients with IDD.

Keywords: Nurses; Direct Service Providers; Physicians; Clinicians; Disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Developmental Disability; IDD; Qualitative

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