People with intellectual disabilities and their experience of medication: A narrative literature review

Abstract

Background: People with intellectual disabilities are known to have increased medical needs and are prescribed more medication than the general population. Understanding the reality of incorporating medication into their lives would help healthcare professionals provide care in more meaningful and personalised ways.

Aim: A narrative review of the current literature relating to people with intellectual disabilities and their experience of medication/pharmaceutical care.

Method: Electronic databases were searched for articles relating to intellectual disabilities and medication administration or pharmaceutical care. Other relevant papers identified from included article reference lists were also identified. A narrative literature was undertaken due to the heterogeneity of the identified papers.

Results: A total of 29 studies from the literature searches were included alongside other relevant papers.

Conclusions: The published literature noted some aspects of the medication-related experiences of people with intellectual disabilities. However, a greater understanding of medication-related experiences is still required.

Keywords: experience; intellectual disabilities; medication; medicine; polypharmacy.