Intellectual Developmental Disability Nursing in Intensive Care: A Phenomenological Study.

Keywords

intellectual developmental disability, intellectual developmental delay, neurodiverse, neurodevelopmental disability, intensive care unit, critical care, nursing workforce, moral distress, patient safety, quality of care

Abstract

Background

Patients with intellectual developmental disabilities face significant health care disparities, particularly in intensive care units, where the complexity of care and lack of tailored protocols exacerbate challenges. Nurses often encounter a knowledge gap in meeting these patients’ unique needs, contributing to poorer outcomes.

Objective

To explore the experiences of nurses caring for patients with intellectual developmental disabilities in an intensive care unit to inform strategies for improving the nursing care of this patient population.

Methods

This study used a descriptive phenomenological design grounded in Edmund Husserl’s philosophy and an interpretivist paradigm. Semistructured interviews were conducted via online videoconferencing with licensed nurses in the United States who had cared for patients with intellectual developmental disabilities in intensive care units within the past 5 years. Thematic analysis was used to identify key findings, contextualized using Betty Neuman’s systems model to facilitate immediate bedside application for critical care nursing practice.

Results

Five themes emerged: equity and safeguarding, family or caregiver involvement, building ties with people with intellectual developmental disabilities, a need for specialized processes, and need for enhanced nursing support.

Conclusions

The findings show that nurses and health care administrators should invest in specialized training and support for nursing staff. Caring for a vulnerable patient population that needs specialized care requires environmental and systemic adaptability as well as dedicated resources to be successful.

Original Publication Citation

Watson, A. L., **Sutton-Clark, G., Anderson, M., **Prescott, S., *Young, C., & *Tapp, D. M. (2025). Intellectual Developmental Disability Nursing in Intensive Care: A Phenomenological Study. American Journal of Critical Care, 34(5), e37-45. https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2025667

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2025-09-01

Publisher

American Journal of Critical Care; American Association of Critical Care Nurses

Language

English

College

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS