positive and negative patient interactions , and a collection of resources ( Blunt and Smeltzer , n . d .).
Standardized Patients
To begin , the tool kit advocates for the use of standardized patients ( SPs )— that is , people who have been trained to act as patients for the education and evaluation of health care students and providers — as a learning tool . The toolkit introduces five scenarios featuring SPs who have multiple sclerosis , spina bifida , an intellectual disability , cerebral palsy , and post-polio syndrome ( Blunt and Smeltzer , n . d .). These SP scenarios , among others , serve as invaluable tools for enriching student education and fostering discussions about cognitive competency , access to care , durable power of attorney , primary care screening , and ethics . While some students may not have the opportunity to work with people with IDDs during their clinical rotations , SP cases can serve as a valuable experience to offer a glimpse into the care for this population .
NP-Patient Interaction Videos
Furthermore , video content can serve as a powerful educational method . The tool kit includes a depiction of a positive and a negative interaction between an NP and a patient with a disability . Following those videos , both a young and an elderly patient with a disability share their healthcare experiences . These interviews are very powerful because they provide a firsthand , unfiltered perspective on the challenges , triumphs , and unique needs that these individuals have encountered in the healthcare system . These videos can foster a deeper understanding and empathy among healthcare practitioners .
Resources
As healthcare providers , nurses and nursing students find themselves in a privileged position to facilitate connections between individuals and the appropriate resources . It is important that the patients and providers collaborate on the patient ’ s future goals to help determine what the best next steps are , while still allowing for self-determination and patient autonomy .
In 2019 , the American Nurses ’ Association published a position statement titled “ Nurse ’ s Role in Providing Ethically and Developmentally Appropriate Care to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ” ( ANA , 2019 ). In this document , the ANA recommends implementation of the following activities :
• Nurses have an ethical responsibility to provide compassionate , knowledgeable , culturally sensitive , and developmentally appropriate care to people with IDD .
• Nurses should cultivate disability humility and commit to competent care for people with IDD .
• Nurses should advocate for publishers and editors to update language in educational materials to avoid outdated or offensive language .
• Schools of nursing should incorporate didactic and clinical care of people with IDD to include not only the physical , but the cultural , spiritual , and emotional needs in nursing curriculum across the lifespan and in all practice settings .
• State and national licensing organizations must increase content regarding the diagnosis , care , treatment , and needs of people with IDD in entry level or renewal examinations .
• Nurses must advocate for human rights such as access to quality care , respect , dignity , and personhood across the lifespan of people with IDD .
• Nurses must be critically aware of personal and institutional biases and act as change agents in favor of equitable health care regardless of ability or functional status .
• Nurses and professional organizations should advocate for resources to support an enhanced quality of life for people with IDD .
• Nurses must encourage and demonstrate civility and respect for those who care for people with IDD .
• Nurses should collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and residential caregivers to develop training that bridges lifelong habilitative care practices with palliative , hospice , and end-of-life care that is needed at the end of life .
38 NSNA Imprint