This work was supported by a grant from Shalem Fund
People with intellectual developmental disabilities experience significant health challenges and barriers in accessing medical care. Healthcare teams, including nursing students, may contribute to advancing care in this population, but knowledge on the subject is minimal.
The current study examined nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness to care for those with intellectual developmental disabilities. The research findings indicated positive relationships between the knowledge and attitudes towards those with intellectual developmental disabilities and the preparedness to treat this population. The knowledge and attitudes were also found to predict the clinical preparedness of the students. The student interviews yielded three main themes.
The research findings emphasize the need to deepen knowledge in nursing curricula to promote positive attitudes and preparedness to care for those with intellectual developmental disabilities.
Keywords: Intellectual-Developmental disability, Nursing students, Knowledge, Attitudes, preparedness for treatment