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Do Service Users with Intellectual Disabilities Want to be Involved in the Risk Management Process? A Thematic Analysis
Author(s) -
Kilcommons Aoiffe M.,
Withers Paul,
MorenoLopez Águeda
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2012.00684.x
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , empowerment , service (business) , psychology , risk management , locus of control , sample (material) , process (computing) , knowledge management , applied psychology , social psychology , qualitative research , business , computer science , sociology , marketing , political science , social science , chemistry , finance , chromatography , law , operating system
Background Involving ID service users in risk decision making necessitates consideration of an individual’s ability to assess the implications and associated risks and thus make an informed choice. This calls for research on service users’ awareness and understanding of risk management (RM). Method Thirteen people in a residential ID service who were reviewed under the risk management process (RMP) participated in the research. Thematic analysis explored participants’ knowledge and understanding of risk management to establish ability to make informed choice. Results Two main meta‐themes (lack of awareness about RM and awareness about RM) and four meta‐themes (extent of RM awareness, locus of control, compliance and empowerment) emerged. Nine of 13 participants demonstrated some knowledge and awareness of RM and wanted to contribute to the RMP, despite not being consulted about or given the opportunity to be involved in RM. Conclusions The majority of service users in this sample had some awareness of the purpose of RM and could make partially informed decisions about whether they would like to be involved in the RMP. The findings highlight the need for professionals to actively attempt to involve ID service users in the management of their own risk.