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Support staff’s perceptions of discontinuing antipsychotics in people with intellectual disabilities in residential care: A mixed‐method study
Author(s) -
Kleijwegt Bas,
Pruijssers Addy,
JongBakker Lydie,
Haan Koos,
OsMedendorp Harmieke,
Meijel Berno
Publication year - 2019
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.12577
Subject(s) - discontinuation , challenging behaviour , intellectual disability , perception , psychology , residential care , focus group , psychiatry , psychotropic medication , medicine , nursing , mental health , marketing , neuroscience , business
Background Although there is little evidence on their efficacy regarding challenging behaviour, antipsychotics are the most used psychotropic drugs in residential intellectually disabled people. Discontinuation is possible for some residential clients with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to gain insight into support staff's perceptions of discontinuing antipsychotics in residential clients with intellectual disabilities. Method Four focus groups were conducted in this mixed‐methods study, followed by a survey. Results A large majority of support staff perceive antipsychotics to be effective in controlling challenging behaviour. Support staff regarded themselves as willing to contribute to the discontinuation of antipsychotics, but were more confident about achieving reductions. Conclusions The attitude of the majority of support staff towards discontinuation provides a good basis for regularly reviewing antipsychotics use. A reduction plan should include preliminary steps, methods of monitoring and evaluating the process, and establishing measures for dealing with possible crises.