ERIC Number: EJ1189469
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
EISSN: N/A
The Role of Direct Support Professionals in Asthma Management
Davis, Sharon R.; Durvasula, Seeta; Merhi, Diana; Young, Paul M.; Traini, Daniela; Bosnic-Anticevich, Sinthia Z.
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v40 n4 p342-353 2015
Background: Respiratory disease is common in people with intellectual disability (ID). The inhaled route is preferred for medication administration in treating respiratory diseases, including asthma. People with ID often need assistance with taking medicines due to cognitive, physical, and sensory impairments; in supported accommodation this assistance is provided by direct support professionals (DSPs). Method: A qualitative study design was used to explore DSPs' experiences with asthma medication management. Data were collected via in-depth, semistructured, face-to-face or telephone interviews.Results Key findings included the complex balance of duties undertaken by DSPs, and a lack of consistency in asthma management processes across sites. Conclusions: This exploratory research suggests that DSPs are involved in asthma management and required to use clinical judgement, but are not provided with education and tools to manage asthma in, and foster correct inhaler use by, their clients. This highlights the need for tailored guidelines that integrate with the principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Descriptors: Allied Health Personnel, Caregivers, Diseases, Intellectual Disability, Chronic Illness, Drug Therapy, Foreign Countries, Self Management
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A