Intellectual disability nursing is a specialized field that addresses the unique health needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities. A recent scoping review titled "Nature and extent of intellectual disability nursing research in Ireland: a scoping review to inform health and health service research" provides valuable insights that can help practitioners improve their skills in online therapy.
The study conducted a comprehensive search across six databases and institutional websites, identifying 245 relevant publications. These publications were categorized into six themes:
- Supporting Inclusion: Topics such as marginalization, human rights, community living, employment, and decision-making were explored. The findings emphasize the importance of advocating for service user inclusion at both local and national levels.
- Future Planning: This theme focused on the planning of care and service delivery, particularly in areas like aging, dementia care, and long-term care. Practitioners are encouraged to look ahead and consider the evolving needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Aspects of Health: The review highlighted various health aspects, including mental health, dementia, emotional health, physical health, and dental health. This underscores the need for a holistic approach to healthcare.
- Interventions: Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were discussed. The importance of communication and personalized care plans was emphasized.
- Professional Development, Education, and Research: This theme covered the professional growth of nurses, the impact of education, and the role of research in informing practice. Continuous professional development is crucial for staying updated with the latest best practices.
- Personal and Professional Accounts of Caring: Experiences and perspectives from family members, service users, and nurses were documented, providing a well-rounded view of the caregiving landscape.
For practitioners in online therapy, these findings offer several actionable insights:
- Advocate for Inclusion: Ensure that your online therapy practices promote the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Use your platform to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights.
- Plan for the Future: Consider the long-term needs of your clients. Develop care plans that address future challenges, such as aging and potential health issues.
- Holistic Health Approach: Adopt a holistic approach to therapy that addresses not just mental health but also physical, emotional, and dental health. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals when necessary.
- Effective Interventions: Utilize evidence-based interventions and tailor them to the individual needs of your clients. Ensure that communication is clear and effective.
- Continuous Professional Development: Engage in ongoing education and research to stay informed about the latest developments in intellectual disability nursing. This will enhance your practice and improve client outcomes.
- Learn from Experiences: Draw insights from the personal and professional accounts of caring documented in the research. These stories can provide valuable lessons and inspire more empathetic and effective care.
By implementing these insights, practitioners can significantly improve their skills and the quality of care they provide in online therapy settings. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, further exploration and continuous learning are encouraged.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Nature and extent of intellectual disability nursing research in Ireland: a scoping review to inform health and health service research.
