Meeting in the middle: improving communication in primary health care consultations with people with an intellectual disability

J Ziviani; N Lennox; H Allison; Michael Lyons; Chris B Del Mar

doi:10.1080/13668250412331285163

Back

Meeting in the middle: improving communication in primary health care consultations with people with an intellectual disability

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Meeting in the middle: improving communication in primary health care consultations with people with an intellectual disability

J Ziviani, N Lennox, H Allison, Michael Lyons and Chris B Del Mar

Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Vol.29(3), pp.211-225

2004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13668250412331285163

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1080/13668250412331285163View

Published Version

Abstract

Clinical Sciences

Social Work

Sociology

The increased presence and participation in Australian society of people with an intellectual disability provides challenges for the provision of primary health care. General practitioners (GPs) identify themselves as ill equipped to provide for this heterogeneous population. A major obstacle to the provision of appropriate health care is seen as inadequate communication between the GP and the person with an intellectual disability, who may or may not be accompanied by a carer or advocate. This qualitative study in which five GPs, three people with intellectual disability, seven carers and two advocates (parent and friend) were interviewed was conducted in Brisbane, Australia. The aim was to better understand the factors that have an impact upon the success of communication in a medical consultation. Findings suggested that GPs were concerned with the aspects of communication difficulties which influenced their ability to adequately diagnose, manage and inform patients. Implications for practice management were also identified. People with intellectual disability reported frustration when they felt that they could not communicate adequately with the GP and annoyance when they were not included in the communication exchange. Carers were strong advocates for the person with intellectual disability, but indicated insufficient skill and knowledge to provide the level of assistance required in the consultation. The outcome was a model of cooperation that outlined the responsibilities of all players in the medical encounter, prior to, during and after the event.

Details

Title: Meeting in the middle: improving communication in primary health care consultations with people with an intellectual disability
Authors: J Ziviani (Author) - University of Queensland
N Lennox (Author) - University of Queensland
H Allison (Author) - University of Queensland
Michael Lyons (Author) - University of Newcastle
Chris B Del Mar (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Vol.29(3), pp.211-225
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
Date published: 2004
DOI: 10.1080/13668250412331285163
ISSN: 1366-8250
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450499302621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

5 File views/ downloads

646 Record Views

107 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Education, Special; Rehabilitation

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites