Adaptive Care for Perioperative Patients With Developmental Disabilities: An Exploration of Interventions and Family Experience

Abstract

Patients with developmental disabilities commonly experience psychological distress during health care visits. There is limited research describing which individualized interventions are being implemented to promote optimal care in the perioperative area. In this prospective observational study of 60 patients with developmental diagnoses, aged 3-21 years, we recorded adaptive care plan (ACP) interventions and assessed family experience. Patients receiving ACPs had diverse diagnoses, including autism spectrum and 10 other unique syndromes. Most patients received previsit planning (90%), adaptations to standard protocols (60%), child life specialist preparation (67%), procedural support (90%), and were given fast-acting anxiolytics before anesthesia induction (68%). Families reported that ACPs were important for managing a child's stress (94%) and promoting safety (92%). ACPs promote safe, productive health care encounters for patients with various diagnoses, ages, and coping abilities. Families find ACPs important for stress management and promoting safety.