A 30-year overview of the uniqueness and diversity of intellectual disability (ID) nursing as reported by the research literature

Background: To conduct an audit of the peer-reviewed literature about the uniqueness and diversity of ID nursing in the context of the changing Australian disability service landscape. Method: A search was undertaken of all the peer-reviewed literature between 1986 and 2017 using the broad search terms “intellectual disability” and “nursing”. Results: There is a limited body of literature about ID nursing. Opinion pieces predominate, with a small body of qualitative research and few experimental studies. The available literature suggests that ID-nursing is more about the need for expert relational strategies rather than technical nursing skills. Specific practice areas reported in the literature include pain assessment, infection control, diabetes, mobility decline, and continence care. The development of the profession over time and the changing education needs have evolved to reflect changes in governance. Conclusions: Evidence-based nursing interventions are needed to better support the health and wellbeing of people with ID. The limited experimental research about actual practice is a major concern. The speciality practice of ID nursing, particularly in the Australian disability context, should aim to expand the scope and quantity of empirical research about the uniqueness and diversity of this field.