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Stakeholders’ Perspectives towards the Use of the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program ( CHAP ) for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Manitoba
Author(s) -
Shooshtari Shahin,
Temple Beverley,
Waldman Celeste,
Abraham Sneha,
OuelletteKuntz Héléne,
Lennox Nicholas
Publication year - 2017
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/jar.12261
Subject(s) - psychology , intellectual disability , nursing , health care , sample (material) , focus group , qualitative research , medical education , medicine , psychiatry , business , political science , sociology , chromatography , marketing , social science , chemistry , law
Background No standardized tool is used in Canada for comprehensive health assessments of adults with intellectual disabilities. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of implementing the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) in Manitoba, Canada. Method This was a qualitative study using a purposive sample of physicians, nurse practitioners, support workers and families. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus groups and were analysed using content analysis. Results Use of the CHAP was perceived as beneficial for persons with intellectual disabilities. Improved continuity of care was of the reported benefits. Six barriers for the future implementation of the CHAP were identified including the time required to complete the CHAP , and the perceived lack of physicians’ willingness to do comprehensive assessments. Conclusion The future implementation of the CHAP was strongly supported. For its successful implementation, training of healthcare professionals and support staff and change in regulations and policies were recommended.