TY - JOUR
T1 - Services for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems in Singapore
T2 - perspectives from mainstream mental health professionals
AU - Ee, Jonathan
AU - Lim, Jan Mei
AU - Stenfert Kroese, Biza
AU - Rose, John
N1 - © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2021/9/18
Y1 - 2021/9/18
N2 - Background: Generic mental health staff often have contact with people with intellectual disabilities when they access mainstream mental health services. To date, there has not been any research conducted in non-western countries to explore their views. This paper investigates the views and experiences of mainstream mental health professionals regarding the mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities in Singapore. Methods: Eight staff members from generic mental health services were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify main themes. Findings: The main themes are related to their work experiences, perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities, ideal staff characteristics and service recommendations. Conclusions: Participants identified a lack of experience and knowledge when working with this population. They highlighted the challenges they face promoting choice and autonomy for people with intellectual disabilities. The discussion includes recommendations for improving staff knowledge through training opportunities, consideration of non-pharmacological approaches and early collaboration with caregivers during the treatment process.
AB - Background: Generic mental health staff often have contact with people with intellectual disabilities when they access mainstream mental health services. To date, there has not been any research conducted in non-western countries to explore their views. This paper investigates the views and experiences of mainstream mental health professionals regarding the mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities in Singapore. Methods: Eight staff members from generic mental health services were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify main themes. Findings: The main themes are related to their work experiences, perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities, ideal staff characteristics and service recommendations. Conclusions: Participants identified a lack of experience and knowledge when working with this population. They highlighted the challenges they face promoting choice and autonomy for people with intellectual disabilities. The discussion includes recommendations for improving staff knowledge through training opportunities, consideration of non-pharmacological approaches and early collaboration with caregivers during the treatment process.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85115273843&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/20473869.2021.1932394
DO - 10.1080/20473869.2021.1932394
M3 - Article
C2 - 34570836
SN - 2047-3869
VL - 67
SP - 371
EP - 380
JO - International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
JF - International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
IS - 5
ER -