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- Title
CARING FOR MENTAL HEALTHCARE USERS WITH PROFOUND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: APPROACHES AND OPPORTUNITIES.
- Authors
Malapela, Grace; Mfidi, Faniswa; Sibanda, Sambulelwe; Thupayagale-Tshweneagae, Gloria
- Abstract
Mental healthcare users with profound intellectual disabilities are among the most disadvantaged groups in society. They experience numerous challenges which include limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. These limitations present challenges in their care, especially in cases where student nurses are not well prepared to meet these special needs. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into approaches and opportunities related to the care of mental healthcare users with profound intellectual disabilities by student nurses. A qualitative, descriptive, interpretive, exploratory and contextual research design was used to explore and describe opportunities and approaches in caring for mental healthcare users with profound intellectual disabilities as experienced by student nurses. Audio-taped interviews were conducted with 12 student nurses in their fourth and final year of study who were assigned to a care centre catering for people with profound intellectual disabilities. Thematic analysis as proposed by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the collected qualitative data. Three approaches to care emerged: promotion of health and wellbeing, training in communication skills, and support for the users’ dignity. One main opportunity that emerged was being caring, an attitude deeply embedded in nursing principles. Caring for care users with profound intellectual disabilities can be emotionally challenging. However, this study identified approaches and opportunities which, when explored, can assist student nurses in rendering quality patient care. This will minimise frustrations on the part of student nurses and help improve the quality of life of mental healthcare users.
- Publication
Africa Journal of Nursing & Midwifery, 2017, Vol 19, Issue 3, p1
- ISSN
1682-5055
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.25159/2520-5293/3858