Abstract
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience significant health and mental health inequities and difficulties accessing care. There are few initiatives that train mental health professionals to care and advocate for the health and mental health care needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We developed a Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Professional Learning Community (PLC) with Clinical Education Teams (CET) training components through The National Center for START (Systemic-Therapeutic-Assessment-Resources-Treatment) Services® to further educate providers in the United States. The National Center for START Services® utilizes multiple training and collaboration forums to build the expertise and capacity of community members and service providers caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health disorders. The PLC and CETs are two of these forums.
In this study, we describe the development of and examine outcomes related to a nine-session virtual series for doctorate-level psychologists and psychiatric prescribers. Anonymous pre- and post-surveys assessed knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-reported practice behaviors. Session satisfaction surveys were collected after each session. One-hour focus group feedback meetings were held one month, and six months post the virtual education series and were coded utilizing a modified content analysis approach.
A total of 16 participants consented to be a part of the research evaluation of this virtual education series. Upon completion of the series, these participants reported improvements in various domains including utilizing a strengths-based biopsychosocial approach, comfort in caring for people with mental health conditions and IDD, and self-reported knowledge about the mental health aspect of IDD. Additionally, the providers noted an increase in access to a national network of participants who care for people with IDD. Overall, the participants endorsed a high level of satisfaction with the sessions and series.
The Professional Learning Community using Clinical Education Team training components is a model for connecting and educating medical professionals. Building a professional learning community that unites practitioners who care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities offers valuable opportunities to increase comfort and knowledge, connect providers, and help improve wellbeing of people with IDD.
Plain Language Summary
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a hard time getting the mental health support they need. There are not enough programs to teach mental health professionals. Our team created a virtual education series. In this study, we describe the series. We asked providers to fill out surveys before and after. After finishing the series, providers felt more knowledgeable and comfortable. They also reported feeling more connected to other providers caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Overall, the providers were highly satisfied with the sessions and series.
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Recommended Citation
McLaren, Jennifer L.; Grosso, Elizabeth; and Weigle, Karen L.
(2024)
"Professional Development Strategies for Treating People with IDD and Mental Health Needs,"
Developmental Disabilities Network Journal: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 10.
DOI: 10.59620/2694-1104.1092
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol4/iss1/10
Included in
Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Disability Law Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Social Policy Commons