Study provides insight on caring for patients with intellectual development disabilities

Nurses caring for critically ill patients with intellectual development disabilities could benefit from specialized training and enhanced support, research published in American Journal of Critical Care found. The study examined the experiences of 49 critical care nurses who provided care to patients with intellectual development disabilities within a five-year period. The semi-structured individual interviews revealed the need to offer tailored protocols to avoid misattribution of symptoms such as delirium or medication effects. The interviews also found the need for nurses to build ties with people with intellectual development disabilities to enhance communication and the ability to navigate care challenges. Nurses providing care also should address risks of abuse, neglect and care disparities and involve family or caregivers in the patient care. (Newswise news release, 8/21/25)