Presenter(s)
Gretta Bergstrom, Jonas Bishop, Caitlin Curtin, Jesse Frank, Sheyenne Lor, Morgan Mueller, Isabelle Sunde, and GaoHmong Yang
Abstract
Background: There is a growing need for inclusive healthcare for individuals with IDD. There is a gap in clinical training of care for individuals with IDD. Formal clinical training for IDD was lacking in 40% to 86% of healthcare providers [Khanlou et al., (2021); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. This lack of specialized training contributes to healthcare disparities. Individuals with IDD have a life expectancy of 66.1 years, which is approximately 20 years shorter than the general population [Roll & Bower (2017); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. Additionally, 17 to 36% of individuals with IDD experiences limited access to healthcare providers, further exacerbating health inequities [Jeste et. al., (2020); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. The financial burden associated with IDD care is substantial. The annual healthcare cost for individuals with IDD are approximately four times higher than the general population, underscoring the need for improved training, accessibility, and comprehensive care strategies (Shady et al., 2022). Problem: Limited education and training in medical schools and nursing schools on caring for individuals with IDD create significant gaps in knowledge, awareness, and communication [Desroches (2019); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2021); Kemer & Appelbaum & Fremion (2024); Khanlou et. al., (2021); Rolls & Bowers (2016); Shady et. al., (2022); Smith e.t al., (2021)]. Many providers do not feel confident in communicating or supporting individuals with IDD due to a lack of education [Shady et al., (2022); Smith et. al., (2021)]. Methods: This project incorporated the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Students engaged in community action participatory research to assess the local Winona community through the eyes of an individual with an IDD. The groups participated in windshield surveys and actively explored the environment utilizing a wheelchair. Students assessed components of the environment and identified strengths and barriers of the community. Assessments were conducted through routine visits with individuals from HCO (Home & Community Options) over four weeks. An IRB-approved survey was created to assess the WSU campus and local community’s awareness of IDD. The survey was sent out to 1,000 randomly selected WSU undergraduates and nursing students. There were 121 responses that were analyzed. Outcomes: Upon assessment of the Winona community as a wheelchair-dependent individual there is room for improvement in accessibility and safety. Through first-hand experiences with the IDD population, there was a continuous theme of the importance for education in the classroom setting and experiential learning to appropriately provide care for vulnerable populations. Data collected from the brief survey indicates a significant gap in awareness and understanding of IDD and local resources. Conclusion: The survey was used to inform about awareness and direct next steps with future nursing collaborations. HCO collaboration with WSU Nursing to establish a guide to clinical experiences providing opportunities to enhance nursing education while improving the care of individuals with IDD would be beneficial.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Nursing - Undergraduate
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Kathryn J. Frie
Start Date
4-24-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
4-24-2025 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
29
Included in
Collaboration and Partnership Creation as a Method to Best Support Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Background: There is a growing need for inclusive healthcare for individuals with IDD. There is a gap in clinical training of care for individuals with IDD. Formal clinical training for IDD was lacking in 40% to 86% of healthcare providers [Khanlou et al., (2021); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. This lack of specialized training contributes to healthcare disparities. Individuals with IDD have a life expectancy of 66.1 years, which is approximately 20 years shorter than the general population [Roll & Bower (2017); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. Additionally, 17 to 36% of individuals with IDD experiences limited access to healthcare providers, further exacerbating health inequities [Jeste et. al., (2020); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. The financial burden associated with IDD care is substantial. The annual healthcare cost for individuals with IDD are approximately four times higher than the general population, underscoring the need for improved training, accessibility, and comprehensive care strategies (Shady et al., 2022). Problem: Limited education and training in medical schools and nursing schools on caring for individuals with IDD create significant gaps in knowledge, awareness, and communication [Desroches (2019); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2021); Kemer & Appelbaum & Fremion (2024); Khanlou et. al., (2021); Rolls & Bowers (2016); Shady et. al., (2022); Smith e.t al., (2021)]. Many providers do not feel confident in communicating or supporting individuals with IDD due to a lack of education [Shady et al., (2022); Smith et. al., (2021)]. Methods: This project incorporated the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Students engaged in community action participatory research to assess the local Winona community through the eyes of an individual with an IDD. The groups participated in windshield surveys and actively explored the environment utilizing a wheelchair. Students assessed components of the environment and identified strengths and barriers of the community. Assessments were conducted through routine visits with individuals from HCO (Home & Community Options) over four weeks. An IRB-approved survey was created to assess the WSU campus and local community’s awareness of IDD. The survey was sent out to 1,000 randomly selected WSU undergraduates and nursing students. There were 121 responses that were analyzed. Outcomes: Upon assessment of the Winona community as a wheelchair-dependent individual there is room for improvement in accessibility and safety. Through first-hand experiences with the IDD population, there was a continuous theme of the importance for education in the classroom setting and experiential learning to appropriately provide care for vulnerable populations. Data collected from the brief survey indicates a significant gap in awareness and understanding of IDD and local resources. Conclusion: The survey was used to inform about awareness and direct next steps with future nursing collaborations. HCO collaboration with WSU Nursing to establish a guide to clinical experiences providing opportunities to enhance nursing education while improving the care of individuals with IDD would be beneficial.
