Lessons Learned From Our Elders: How to Study Polypharmacy in Populations With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica N. Stortz ◽  
Johanna K. Lake ◽  
Virginie Cobigo ◽  
Hélène M. J. Ouellette-Kuntz ◽  
Yona Lunsky

Abstract Polypharmacy is the concurrent use of multiple medications, including both psychotropic and non-psychotropic drugs. Although it may sometimes be clinically indicated, polypharmacy can have a number of negative consequences, including medication nonadherence, adverse drug reactions, and undesirable drug–drug interactions. The objective of this paper was to gain a better understanding of how to study polypharmacy among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To do this, we reviewed literature on polypharmacy among the elderly and people with IDD to inform future research approaches and methods on polypharmacy in people with IDD. Results identified significant variability in methods used to study polypharmacy, including definitions of polypharmacy, samples studied, analytic strategies, and variables included in the analyses. Four valuable methodological lessons to strengthen future polypharmacy research in individuals with IDD emerged. These included the use of consistent definitions of polypharmacy, the implementation of population-based sampling strategies, the development of clinical guidelines, and the importance of studying associated variables.

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e028125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Gomes ◽  
Wayne Khuu ◽  
Mina Tadrous ◽  
Simone Vigod ◽  
Virginie Cobigo ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo describe factors associated with initiating antipsychotics and patterns of persistence to antipsychotic therapy in a large cohort of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.SettingOntario, Canada.ParticipantsAdults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Ontario.Outcome measuresWe used multivariable logistic regression to investigate patient characteristics associated with antipsychotic initiation. Patient characteristics studied included sociodemographic characteristics, measures of clinical comorbidity and health service use.ResultsAmong 39 244 individuals eligible for this study, 6924 (17.6%) initiated an antipsychotic over the accrual window, of whom 1863 (26.9%) had no psychiatric diagnosis in the prior 2 years. A number of factors were significantly associated with antipsychotic initiation, including male gender, residence in a group home, prior use of benzodiazepines, antidepressants or cognitive enhancers, a recent emergency department visit or mental health hospitalisation and a visit to a psychiatrist or family physician in the prior 90 days. In a secondary analysis, the association between antipsychotic initiation and age, prior diagnosis of diabetes or myocardial infarction and polypharmacy differed slightly on the basis of whether an individual had a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder.ConclusionsFactors associated with the initiation of an antipsychotic differ according to the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. Given the long duration of antipsychotic use in this population, future research is needed to understand the appropriateness of antipsychotic initiation among adults with IDD and the safety implications of long-term use of these products.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016264342198997
Author(s):  
Sojung Jung ◽  
Ciara Ousley ◽  
David McNaughton ◽  
Pamela Wolfe

In this meta-analytic review, we investigated the effects of technology supports on the acquisition of shopping skills for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) between the ages of 5 and 24. Nineteen single-case experimental research studies, presented in 15 research articles, met the current study’s inclusion criteria and the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards. An analysis of potential moderators was conducted, and we calculated effect sizes using Tau-U to examine the impact of age, diagnosis, and type of technology on the reported outcomes for the 56 participants. The results from the included studies provide evidence that a wide range of technology interventions had a positive impact on shopping performance. These positive effects were seen for individuals across a wide range of ages and disability types, and for a wide variety of shopping skills. The strongest effect sizes were observed for technologies that provided visual supports rather than just auditory support. We provide an interpretation of the findings, implications of the results, and recommended areas for future research.


Author(s):  
Martha E. Snell ◽  
Nancy Brady ◽  
Lee McLean ◽  
Billy T. Ogletree ◽  
Ellin Siegel ◽  
...  

Abstract This literature review was conducted to evaluate the current state of evidence supporting communication interventions for individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. We reviewed 116 articles published between 1987 and 2007 in refereed journals meeting three criteria: (a) described a communication intervention, (b) involved one or more participants with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, and (c) addressed one or more areas of communication performance. Many researchers failed to report treatment fidelity or to assess basic aspects of intervention effects, including generalization, maintenance, and social validity. The evidence reviewed indicates that 96% of the studies reported positive changes in some aspects of communication. These findings support the provision of communication intervention to persons with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gaps in the research were reported as were recommendations for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-334
Author(s):  
Evan E. Dean ◽  
Anne V. Kirby ◽  
Mayumi Hagiwara ◽  
Karrie A. Shogren ◽  
Deniz Tekin Ersan ◽  
...  

Abstract The development of self-determination is promoted by supportive contexts during adolescence; families are a key part of this context. In adolescent populations, research suggests families can support self-determination in a number of ways, yet less is known about how self-determination is promoted within families of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a scoping review to examine the existing evidence pertaining to the role families of youth with IDD play in supporting the development of self-determination. A review of 24 publications revealed that existing research has focused on understanding family perspectives on self-determination, but there is a lack of studies investigating how families provide supports for self-determination in the home context for youth with IDD. Additionally, little intervention work has focused on supporting families to promote self-determination. Based on the findings, implications for future research and practice are provided.


2020 ◽  
pp. 014544552097517
Author(s):  
Brianna Joseph ◽  
Kelly B. Kearney ◽  
Michael P. Brady ◽  
Angelica Downey ◽  
Ayse Torres

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often have deficits in interpersonal skills due to limited social-communication opportunities. Knowing how to engage in “small talk” or simple social conversational exchanges can be beneficial in postsecondary schooling, employment sites, community environments, and social gatherings. Recently, covert audio coaching (CAC) showed a positive impact on increasing conversational exchanges. As the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for remote delivery tools, we explored the effectiveness of remote audio coaching (RAC) to teach this skill to college students with IDD. We used a multiple baseline design across participants to examine whether RAC might increase on-topic, small talk conversational exchanges. Results demonstrated that RAC effectively increased small talk skills between participants and a confederate. Upon removal of RAC, all participants still performed above their baselines, with two participants maintaining near mastery levels 2 weeks after the intervention was removed. Limitations and future research are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meg Grigal ◽  
Clare Papay ◽  
Frank Smith ◽  
Debra Hart ◽  
Rayna Verbeck

The Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) model demonstration program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education was implemented initially from 2010 to 2015. During this time, 27 institutions of higher education were awarded grants to develop programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to access higher education. TPSID programs were charged with developing model demonstration programs that would lead to gainful employment. In this article, we identify predictors of employment while in the program and at exit for students who completed a TPSID program between 2010 and 2015. Results identified several predictors of employment for students with IDD. Authors share implications for future research and practice gleaned from the analysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-287
Author(s):  
Lindsay S. Athamanah ◽  
Marisa H. Fisher ◽  
Connie Sung ◽  
Jinny E. Han

Peer mentoring programs provide an opportunity for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to learn, socialize, and work together in supportive and inclusive environments. In this study, we used a phenomenological research design to explore the impact of a college campus-based peer mentoring program on the experiences and perceptions of participating college peer mentors ( n = 13) toward high school students with IDD who were enrolled in a school-to-work transition program housed on campus. Using thematic analysis across four different data sources, we identified three main themes that peer mentors discussed based on their experiences in the program: (a) mentors’ personal development: constructing meaning of self, (b) mentee growth: perceived work and social impact, and (c) campus community benefits: normalizing disability. Peer mentors reported their own attitudes toward individuals with IDD were changed based on participating in the peer mentoring program and they observed improvements in their mentees’ personal and work-related social relationships. We discuss how these outcomes have impacted the peer mentors’ attitudes, career choices, and lives in general. We also provide implications for future research and practice regarding development and implementation of peer mentoring programs in the community.


2013 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 349-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Hewitt ◽  
John Agosta ◽  
Tamar Heller ◽  
Ann Cameron Williams ◽  
Jennifer Reinke

Abstract Families are critical in the provision of lifelong support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Today, more people with IDD receive long-term services and supports while living with their families. Thus, it is important that researchers, practitioners, and policy makers understand how to best support families who provide at-home support to children and adults with IDD. This article summarizes (a) the status of research regarding the support of families who provide support at home to individuals with IDD, (b) present points of concern regarding supports for these families, and (c) associated future research priorities related to supporting families.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Wehman ◽  
Joshua Taylor ◽  
Valerie Brooke ◽  
Lauren Avellone ◽  
Holly Whittenburg ◽  
...  

Progress toward competitive integrated employment (CIE) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) over the last 40 years has been mixed. Despite evidence showing that supported employment interventions can enable adults with IDD to effectively get and keep jobs, national rates of integrated employment remain below a third of the working-age population. Progress is being made to improve these outcomes. Pathways have been identified that lead to CIE through supported employment, customized employment, internship experiences, and postsecondary education. The recent passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has created fresh momentum and increased the onus on interagency collaboration. This article examines what is known about promoting CIE through these pathways and highlights recommendations for future research and policy change. Recommendations for the future provide direction toward positive change for CIE into the 21st century.


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