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Experiences of service users with a mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning with Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Neijmeijer Laura,
Kuiper Chris,
Kroon Hans,
Didden Robert
Publication year - 2020
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.12723
Subject(s) - intellectual disability , psychology , grounded theory , autonomy , intrapersonal communication , service (business) , mental health , assertiveness , assertive community treatment , value (mathematics) , qualitative research , developmental psychology , social psychology , applied psychology , psychotherapist , psychiatry , mental illness , interpersonal communication , social science , economy , machine learning , sociology , political science , computer science , law , economics
Background In the Netherlands, Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams have been established for people with mild intellectual disability (MID) or borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) and mental health problems or challenging behaviour. Little is known yet about service users’ experiences with FACT. Method An inductive grounded theory approach was used to explore how service users valued the treatment and their own functioning, and which factors were perceived as supportive. Semi‐structured interviews were held with 15 service users. Results Most service users highly appreciated the contact with the staff and the practical and emotional support. Persistent involvement, availability and humanity, and respect for autonomy were distinguished as core values in the relationship with the staff. Most service users experienced improvement in time and attributed this to intrapersonal changes and/or less stress in life. Conclusions From the perspective of service users with MID/BIF, FACT appears to have an added value.