The transition from child to adult health services for young adults with intellectual disabilities: An evaluation of a pilot of an online learning resource for Registered Nurses

Abstract

Aim: This study formed the third phase of a national study on the experience of transition from child to adult health services for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this phase was to evaluate the accessibility and acceptability of an on-line learning resource for Registered Nurses.

Background: The population of young adults with intellectual disabilities and complex needs is increasing. Consequently, more will move from child to adult healthcare, with evidence highlighting that for some their experiences of the transition process is poor. The main study provided contemporary evidence to raise the awareness of Registered Nurses of the needs of young adults with intellectual disabilities and their role in enabling an effective transition from child to adult services.

Methods: The online learning resource was developed and piloted with Registered Nurses involved in the transition from child to adult health services for young adults with intellectual disabilities and complex needs. Data collection involved an online survey and semi-structured interviews.

Results: Twelve Registered Nurses from 2 Scottish NHS Boards completed the questionnaire and 3 participated in a follow-up interview. The findings suggest that the mode of on-line delivery and most of the content of the learning resource were both acceptable and accessible to Registered Nurses across a range of areas of nursing practice. The learning resource was further adapted in response to the participant data.

Conclusion: This on-line learning resources offers the potential for Registered Nurses, and potentially other healthcare professionals to undertake evidence-based, structured further education regarding the effective transitions for young adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Tweetable abstract: Registered Nurses have key contributions to enable the transition from child to adult healthcare for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

Keywords: Education; Health needs; Intellectual disabilities; Transitions; Young adults.