An exploration of the medication related experiences of community dwelling adults with learning disabilities.

MacLeod, Joan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the medication related experiences of community dwelling adults with learning disabilities (LD). A narrative review was undertaken and found that current literature focused on measuring the prevalence of particular drug related issues, rather than on the views and experiences of the adult with LD. A qualitative methodology was adopted with a pragmatic case study approach in which each case study focused on a community dwelling adult with LD. The Patients Lived Experience with Medicines (PLEM) conceptual model was used as a theoretical framework for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from: semi-structured interviews with the adult with LD, where possible; semi-structured interviews with relevant carers and care workers; available documents; and unstructured indirect observations of relevant artefacts by the researcher. Ethical approval was gained. One pilot and ten case studies were identified by local care providers. Using the PLEM conceptual model, the following medication related experiences were reported: 1. Medication related burden: drugs adversely affecting cognitive ability and mental wellbeing are often intolerable, the daily routine can itself be a burden, changes to routine can be challenging, and the burden with medication is often assumed by the carers or care workers; 2. Medication related beliefs: medication is seen as both beneficial and necessary, carers and care workers of adults with severe LD are the experts on the person being prescribed for, and enabling the coping skills of adults with mild-moderate LD is important; 3. Medication taking practice: acceptance of medication was never truly unconditional. In conclusion, the medication related experiences of community dwelling adults with LD are multifaceted and often shared by or transferred to, any carer or care worker. The outcomes of this research could help support the education and training of health care professionals.

Citation

MACLEOD, J. 2019. An exploration of the medication related experiences of community dwelling adults with learning disabilities. Robert Gordon University [online], DPP thesis. Available from: https://openair.rgu.ac.uk

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 10, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 10, 2019
• Keywords: Medication practices; Self-medication; Patient behaviours; Carer behaviours; Patients with learning disabilities
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/638259
• Award Date: Feb 28, 2019