The Swiss mental healthcare system for people with intellectual disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 135-144
Author(s):  
Dan Georgescu ◽  
Anne Styp von Rekowski
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
National Level ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the mental healthcare system for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Switzerland. It covers the current provision of mental healthcare services as well as educational and research aspects, and summarises both the historical development and the current data on demography, health economics, legislation and national policy. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed an extensive literature research and evaluated the (very sparse) literature, conducted some interviews with recognised experts and carried out extensive internet-based research on the topic. Findings There are numerous, well-funded, well-staffed and well-equipped facilities for people with ID. These facilities have highly trained special education teachers and social education workers. Legislation, the insurance system as well as the policies and strategies on a national level are basically in line with people’s with ID needs. On the other hand, there are too few specialist physicians and psychologists, not enough training centres and too few specialist psychiatric services, both inpatient and outpatient. Medical and psychological research in this field is also insufficient. Practical implications In Switzerland, the development of treatment facilities typically does not start with a decision by a central authority to implement a policy in a top-down process. Usually, these organisations develop on the basis of some local initiatives and spread throughout the country. The process is likely to be similar in the case of services for people with mental health and intellectual disabilities (MHID), and the situation can be expected to be much better throughout the country within a few years. Furthermore, specific training programmes are expected to be created for physicians and psychologists of various disciplines, to promote an interdisciplinary approach. Originality/value This review fills a gap in that there are very few published reviews on the provision of MHID services in Switzerland.

scholarly journals The case for guided self-help for people with intellectual disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 126-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddie Chaplin ◽  
Karina Marshall-Tate
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine guided self-help (GSH), and some of the barriers as to why it is not routinely available for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Design/methodology/approach This paper offers an overview of GSH and the potential benefits of it as an intervention for people with ID with mild depression and/or anxiety. Findings The current literature reports the successful use and effectiveness of GSH in the general population. However, despite this there is little evidence that it is being used in practice for people with ID. Originality/value This paper offers an overview of GSH and advocates for its increasing use for people with ID to help bring about equality in mental healthcare.

A systematic review of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with people with intellectual disabilities: an unsafe gap in the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Crompton ◽  
Bethany Duncan ◽  
Graham Simpson-Adkins
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
World Health ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the available evidence that explores adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in people with intellectual disabilities (PwID). It is important to systematically review this literature as, to date, there is little known about the number of studies in this area, despite the World Health Organization declaring ACE prevention and support as a global public health priority. Design/methodology/approach Published studies were identified from electronic database searches. Key journals and reference lists were also hand searched. Findings Two studies met the inclusion criteria and the prevalence and frequency of ACEs experienced by participants of these studies analysed. Overall, due to the small number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria, it is difficult to establish any meaningful conclusions. Originality/value This appears to be the first systematic review to try and identify a research base looking at the prevalence of ACEs within a PwID population. Findings suggest that this is a highly neglected area of research, and the authors hope to have identified that further evidence is required to draw clearer conclusions about the impact of ACEs on PwID.

Older migrants’ access to healthcare: a thematic synthesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjana Arora ◽  
Astrid Bergland ◽  
Melanie Straiton ◽  
Bernd Rechel ◽  
Jonas Debesay
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Older Migrants ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Geographical Scope ◽  
Migrant Groups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesise data from the existent literature on the experiences of non-western older migrants in Europe in accessing and using healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach In total, 1,606 records were reviewed and 12 studies were selected. A thematic synthesis using Thomas and Harden’s approach was conducted. Findings The findings resulted in the three overarching themes: traditional discourses under new circumstances; predisposed vulnerabilities of older migrants and the healthcare system; and the conceptualization of health and the roles of healthcare professionals. The authors found that older migrants’ experience of accessing healthcare is influenced by many factors, such as health literacy, differences in healthcare beliefs and language barriers, and is not limited to cultural and traditional discourses of care. Findings reveal that there is a limited body of knowledge on barriers experienced by older migrant women. Research limitations/implications The geographical scope of the study and subsequent type of healthcare systems should be taken into account while understanding barriers to care. Another limitation is that although we studied different migrant groups, the authors synthesised barriers experienced by all. Future research could study migrants as separate groups to better understand how previous experiences with healthcare in their home country and specific social, cultural and economic circumstances shape them. Originality/value This paper provides a synthesis of the experiences of migrants from non-western countries who moved to a host country with a very different language, culture and healthcare system.

Commentary on “A family’s battle to understand ‘challenging behaviour’”

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-108
Author(s):  
Joann Kiernan
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Challenging Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on issues raised in the paper “A family’s battle to understand ‘challenging behaviour’”. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on literature associated with issues identified in the paper this commentary will reflect on the evidence associated with providing specialist support to people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. Findings Families, individuals and services are unable to access timely and appropriate specialist support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. As individuals go on to develop behaviours associated with a lack of intervention their levels of vulnerability increase due to their exclusion from services and their local communities. Originality/value The commentary provides a discussion on the issues faced by individuals and their families in relation to intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour.

Enhancing clinical practice: reducing health inequalities – reflections on a clinical education and training partnership

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 342-348
Author(s):  
Karina Marshall-Tate
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
And Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline a two-year project designed to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes of people with intellectual disabilities using health services in South London by raising awareness and increasing health staff confidence and capability. Design/methodology/approach The project was conducted in two stages. In stage 1, a mapping exercise was undertaken to establish existing intellectual disabilities education and training availability. In stage 2, a network of stakeholders was formed and education and training materials were developed and delivered. Findings A formal evaluation of the project is underway and this paper seeks to share information about the project. That said prima facie data appear to indicate that health staff who attended education and training events learned new knowledge and skills that they could implement in their practice, increasing confidence and capability. Research limitations/implications Health staff who attended the events appeared to have an interest in intellectual disabilities and wanted to increase their knowledge and skills base. This means that there is a significant group of health staff that the project was unable to reach or who may not know that they need to know about intellectual disabilities. The results of the project have not yet been formally analysed. Practical implications Work-based education and training events can have a positive impact on health staff capability and confidence, however, it would appear that only those who already have an interest in the field or recognise its value to their own practice attend such events. To truly capture all health staff intellectual disabilities needs to be visibly included in all health curricula. Originality/value This project has not focussed on one profession or one aspect of healthcare and has embraced the values of inter professional and inter agency learning; this has enabled health staff to learn from each other and think in a “joined up” way replicating the realities of providing healthcare to people with intellectual disabilities.

Football teams for people with intellectual disabilities living in the community: “it helps your self-esteem and that, don’t it?”

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose White ◽  
Katherine Lister ◽  
Kristian Northend ◽  
Stephen Moore ◽  
Kelly Rayner
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Football Training

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities (ID) can be vulnerable to developing mental health problems. It has been found that participating in regular exercise can help to improve emotional well-being, both in typically developing people and those with ID. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of community clients with ID who have engaged in a football training programme, and the perceived impacts on attitudes, mood and behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with seven patients from generic or forensic community ID services were conducted. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Two master themes were identified from the interviews, “Striving” and “Togetherness”. Originality/value The most important factors related to taking part in the football programme were the social, emotional and personal growth associated with being part of a team and general enjoyment of being part of something. Although aspects of football knowledge and physical fitness were still evident, their impact seemed to be less significant. The experience of football was overwhelmingly positive.

Comparative study on Vietnam’s and Philippines' COVID-19 response using historical institutionalism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Jerome B. Del Rosario ◽  
Francesca Mitchel Ofilada ◽  
Rose Ann D. Vicente
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Healthcare Spending ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Historical Institutionalism ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis paper analyzed the healthcare systems of the Philippines and Vietnam prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their strategies on mass testing, contact tracing, quarantine procedures and information dissemination about the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachSteinmo's (2008) historical institutionalism approach was used in this paper. Secondary data gathering, document analysis and comparative process tracing were employed.FindingsThe findings revealed that Vietnam's implementation of its Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in 2007, its relatively low-cost healthcare system, its efficient mass testing and contact tracing strategies and its science-based decisions are contributory to its success in handling the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Philippines failure to enact its Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act in 2013, its costly and dominantly private healthcare system, its heavy focus on strict, long lockdowns and its militarist methods to control the spread of the pandemic were found to be insufficient.Research limitations/implicationsDetailed study on the delivery of healthcare services in marginal areas, healthcare spending for COVID-19 positive individuals and information dissemination strategies about the pandemic were not explored.Practical implicationsHealth institutions can redesign their governance mechanisms by ensuring a cost-effective healthcare system and maximizing resource utilization to ensure efficient management of future pandemics. Moreover, national governments should not compromise their country's healthcare system over the economy during a pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper analyzed the countries' history of healthcare governance and its influence in handling COVID-19 compared to previous studies which only focused on the countries' strategies during the pandemic.

“When other people try to understand”: exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, who also have mental health problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Sasha Martine Mattock ◽  
Kieron Beard ◽  
Amy Baddeley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose Recent guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence highlight that service users (SUs) with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems rarely get the opportunity to share their experiences of mental health services. Over the past 20 years, policy documents have stated that these individuals (SUs) must be included in decisions about their care. Research suggests that often this is not the case. Therefore, this paper aims to create a space for SUs to share their experiences of mental health services, and what they found helpful. Design/methodology/approach A focus group was held with five SUs, two psychologists and two researchers. The audio recording of the discussion was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes were identified, namely, “relationships with others”, “inclusion and communication” and “challenges”. This focus group highlighted that although some SUs felt supported, they reported having little control in their lives and wanted to be listened to. Research limitations/implications Including a SU in the planning and facilitation of the focus group would have made this research more inclusive. Practical implications The implications of this research suggest that by listening to and involving SUs and developing more person-centred services, recovery rates may increase as the services provided would be more targeted. Originality/value Very little research has previously been conducted to explore SUs’ experiences. This paper highlights the value of being heard and the knowledge that is often lost if the authors do not take the time to listen to the people for whom a service is designed.

scholarly journals Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 292-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhathika D. Perera ◽  
Penny J. Standen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Narrative Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose – Carers play a vital role in looking after people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Caring role can be stressful and challenging in nature. Carers use various coping strategies to deal with stressors. The purpose of this paper is to explore coping strategies of carers looking after people with ID and dementia. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methodology was used to explore coping strategies. Focus groups and face-to-face interviews were carried out. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Nine interviews with carers (six paid carers and three family carers) and two focus groups with nursing staff looking after people with ID were carried out. Three key themes of “Narrative”, “Strategy toolbox” and “Compartmentalisation” emerged from analysis. Narrative and strategy took box were further subthemed. Carers had narratives about them and the person they look after. These “narratives” helped them to deal with day to day stressors. They also carried a “strategy toolbox”, which they used when they were in stressful situations. Compartmentalisation helped them to separate their personal life from work life as a carer. Originality/value – Understanding carers’ coping strategies is important when planning services to help carers who play an important role in our society. Professionals can support carers to understand and improve their existing coping skills and help them to thrive in their role as carers.

Poor adherence to the mental capacity act and premature death

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 367-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Heslop ◽  
P. Blair ◽  
P. Fleming ◽  
M. Hoghton ◽  
A. Marriott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Resuscitation Guidelines ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Capacity Act

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of the Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with intellectual disabilities (CIPOLD) in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (England and Wales) (MCA) 2005. Design/methodology/approach – CIPOLD reviewed the deaths of all known people with intellectual disabilities (ID) aged four years and over who had lived in the study area and died between 2010 and 2012. Findings – The deaths of 234 people with ID aged 16 years and over were reviewed. There were two key issues regarding how the MCA was related to premature deaths of people with ID. The first was of the lack of adherence to aspects of the Act, particularly regarding assessments of capacity and best interests decision-making processes. The second was a lack of understanding of specific aspects of the Act itself, particularly the definition of “serious medical treatment” and in relation to Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation guidelines. Research limitations/implications – CIPOLD did not set out to specifically evaluate adherence to the MCA. It may be that there were other aspects relating to the MCA that were of note, but were not directly related to the deaths of individuals. Practical implications – Addressing the findings of the Confidential Inquiry in relation to the understanding of, and adherence to, the MCA requires action at national, local and individual levels. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and in challenging decision-making processes that are not aligned with the MCA, the authors are just as effectively protecting people with ID as are when the authors report wilful neglect or abuse. Originality/value – CIPOLD undertook a retrospective, detailed investigation into the sequence of events leading to the deaths of people with ID. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that such research has associated a lack of adherence to the MCA to premature deaths within a safeguarding framework.

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