The Perceived Role of Direct Support Professionals in the Health Promotion Efforts of Adults With Developmental Disabilities Receiving Support Services

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendall A. Leser ◽  
Phyllis L. Pirie ◽  
Amy K. Ferketich ◽  
Susan M. Havercamp ◽  
Mary Ellen Wewers
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Community Agency ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Focus Groups ◽  
Future Work

Abstract Direct support professionals (DSPs) play a large social role in the lives of people with developmental disabilities (DD) and have the potential to influence their health behaviors. Six qualitative focus groups (n = 48) were conducted with DD community agency administrators, DSPs, family members and adults with DD to better understand the perceived role of DSPs in the health promotion efforts of those with DD. Findings from this study suggest that DSPs experience several barriers when trying to promote the health of those with DD, one of which is fear of violating the rights of people with DD. Future work should identify ways to overcome the barriers experienced by DSPs, so that they can better assist people with DD with health promotion efforts.

Workforce: Goals for Research and Innovation

Inclusion ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen McLaughlin ◽  
Lori Sedlezky ◽  
Harolyn Belcher ◽  
Abby Marquand ◽  
Amy Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals

Abstract Across the United States, there is growing demand for a competent and stable workforce able to effectively support the health and community lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout the lifespan. This article describes national goals for research and innovation to advance the IDD workforce. The research goals outlined address important workforce topics that include increasing capacity and sustainability, competency development and quality support, the use of technology, family support, and the vital role of direct support professionals in helping people with IDD to become fully included and valued members of their communities.

Self Help, Not Self Pity': Caring for People with Diabetes in a Voluntary Organisation

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Elica Ristevski ◽  
Heather Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Voluntary Sector ◽  
Voluntary Organisation ◽  
Self Help ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Voluntary Organisations

The importance of the voluntary sector in providing services for people with a chronic illness has been increasingly recognised. A consumer organisation in the voluntary sector, which provides services for people with diabetes, was selected to explore the role of voluntary organisations in service provision. The investigation revealed that voluntary organisations provide support services such as information and education, advocacy, health promotion, the encouragement of research, social activities, and aids and appliances. These services focus on the individual, social, financial and economic needs of people with diabetes and fill the gaps in programs provided by public sector organisations, which are largely targeted toward acute care, are less flexible, and increasingly concerned with cost efficiency. With the shift towards decentralising services to the community and the increased participation of consumers in health care, the work of voluntary organisations will become even more indispensable in Australia.

The role of direct support professionals in asthma management

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon R. Davis ◽  
Seeta Durvasula ◽  
Diana Merhi ◽  
Paul M. Young ◽  
Daniela Traini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Management ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals

Introduction to the Special Issue: Understanding the Direct Support Workforce in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-191
Author(s):  
Carol B. Laws ◽  
Amy S. Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Full Inclusion ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Increasing Demand

Abstract This special issue on the direct support workforce highlights the critical role of the direct support workforce in the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States. Although there is increasing demand for this workforce, challenges in the recruitment, training, and retention of direct support professionals (DSPs) threatens the safety, health, and full inclusion of people with IDD living in the community. This special issue brings to the forefront current research to understand this workforce and their importance and to consider strategies to address the complex challenges facing DSPs so that people with disabilities can live and thrive in their communities.

scholarly journals Job Satisfaction in Direct Support Professionals: Associations with Self-Efficacy and Perspective-Taking

Societies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Sarah N. Flynn ◽  
Hunter J. Harrington ◽  
Maddison K. Knott ◽  
Hung-Chu Lin
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Challenging Behaviors ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Intrinsic Job Satisfaction

Direct support professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in supporting and sustaining the life qualities of individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs). The occupation is often challenging due to a multitude of workplace deficiencies and certain challenging behaviors associated with DDs. The demanding nature of job duties can cause compromised job satisfaction in DSPs, which in turn potentially undermines the quality of care they provide to individuals with DDs. The literature is limited addressing how psychosocial factors relate to job satisfaction specifically in DSPs. The present study examined self-efficacy as a psychosocial correlate for job satisfaction in DSPs and how one’s disposition for perspective-taking functioned as a moderator for the relationship between self-efficacy and job satisfaction. A sample of 133 DSPs responded to self-report measures for self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and perspective-taking. The results of multivariate regression indicated a positive relation between self-efficacy and intrinsic job satisfaction in DSPs, and the relation strengthened as the level of perspective-taking increased, suggesting a moderating role of perspective-taking in DSPs. The findings provide insights for targeting psychosocial correlates as an important element in training programs aimed at improving intrinsic satisfaction in DSPs.

scholarly journals Work stress and depression among direct support professionals: the role of work support and locus of control

2010 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 749-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Gray-Stanley ◽  
N. Muramatsu ◽  
T. Heller ◽  
S. Hughes ◽  
T. P. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Work Support ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals

The Effects of Aggression Subtypes on Burnout and Caregiver Instability in Direct Support Professionals

2021 ◽  
pp. 109830072110137
Author(s):  
Rose E. Nevill ◽  
Emily M. Istvan ◽  
Susan M. Havercamp
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Verbal Aggression ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Aggression Subtypes ◽  
Active Attention ◽  
Intervention Planning ◽  
Emotional Effects

Aggression is a known contributor to burnout and caregiver instability among direct support professionals (DSPs) caring for adults with developmental disabilities. However, few studies have explored the differential effects of aggression subtypes on caregivers and what implications these may have for intervention planning. This longitudinal study examined whether different types of aggression were associated with greater burnout and instability in DSPs. Ninety DSPs reported on their experiences working with aggressive clients with developmental disabilities at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up. Participants were roughly representative of the population of DSPs in the United States. Verbal aggression and reduced length of time knowing the aggressive adult significantly predicted caregiver instability, with participants who had stopped working with the aggressive adult experiencing significantly worse verbal aggression than participants who were still working with the adult at follow-up. Hostile affect significantly predicted burnout. Verbal aggression and hostility, which are less frequently targeted for intervention as more dangerous forms of aggression, pose risks for caregivers and therefore warrant active attention through intervention. DSPs would benefit from training on how to diffuse and redirect verbal aggression and hostility, as well as use coping strategies to mitigate against the negative emotional effects of aggression.

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