A review of the roles and practice domains of Australian nurses who work with people with intellectual and developmental disability

Introduction: Nurses who work with people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) provide specific and vital health-related care. This study reports Australian survey data about the roles and practice domains of these nurses, as a first step in reconceptualising the future roles of Australian nurses. Methods: An anonymous online survey was used to collect data about the roles of nurses across physical, behavioural, mental health, and adaptive behaviour domains. Results: Approximately 144 survey responses were captured, of which 95 had completed data (74 female, 19 male). The most common forms of physical care included gastrointestinal (88.6%), neurological/sensory (86%), musculoskeletal (81%), and respiratory (81%). Sexual health care was notably lower (39%). Support for self-harming behaviour was the most frequently endorsed behavioural care (84%), followed by behaviours that are harmful to others (79%) and unusual or repetitive behaviours (76%). Communicating needs was endorsed by 94% of the nurses for adaptive behaviour. For mental health, nurses were most likely to support symptoms of anxiety (77%), followed by depression (69%) and serious self-harm (62%). Implications: Although nurses provide high levels of physical healthcare, their roles also extend to support for sexual health, behavioural, and adaptive behaviour. Diversity of nursing skills is critical when caring for people with IDD and this has implications for the future reconceptualization of the nursing role.