Vårdpersonalens bemötande av patienter med en utvecklingsstörning

: Ur patienternas egna, anhörigas och vårdpersonalens perspektiv

Abstract

Background: Approximately one percent of the Swedish population has a developmental disability. A diagnostic criteria for developmental disorders includes an IQ below 70. To meet, or to encounter a patient in the right way, is an abstract concept with different dimensions including the ability of having a conversation.

Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate health care professionals attitudes towards adult patients with a developmental disability. The treatment is described from the patient’s own view, the relative’s view and the health care professional’s view.

Method: This overview was done in a systematic way. The result is based upon 12 qualitative and quantitative scientific articles. The articles has been quality assessed and processed using an inductive content analysis.

Result: In general, health care professionals have a positive attitude towards individuals with developmental disabilities as patients. However negative attitudes did exist, often due to a lack of understanding. Many health care professionals have insufficient knowledge about how to provide care for and communicate with this group of patients. Relatives and assistants often had to take a great deal of responsibility regarding to the context of the patients contact with health care.