Abstract
![CDATA[People with Intellectual Disability (ID) represent about 3% of the population (AIHW, 2012). Many of the issues facing people with ID in relation to health and illness reflect those of the general population, although there are some important differences of which nurses need to be aware. In order to provide quality nursing care, it is important to have an understanding of the challenges faced by people with ID when accessing health care. However, evidence suggests that many nurses who encounter people with ID often feel under-prepared, overwhelmed, struggle to understand the role of family and paid caregivers, and find communication barriers difficult to overcome (Lewis et al., 2017). These issues can lead to delayed treatment and/or misdiagnosis and contribute to increased morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. This chapter offers nurses an overview of the health issues facing people with ID and some insights into strategies to promote better outcomes for people with ID.]]
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Nursing in Australia: Contemporary Professional and Practice Insights |
Editors | Nathan J. Wilson, Peter Lewis, Leanne Hunt, Lisa Whitehead |
Place of Publication | U.K. |
Publisher | Routledge |
Pages | 139-150 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003120698 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780367637859 |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |