Indonesian nurses' awareness and application of reasonable adjustments when caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.

Abstract

This study aimed to understand Indonesian nurses' familiarity with the concept of reasonable adjustments, and the frequency of its application within their practice. People with intellectual disability and/or autism are exposed to significant barriers when accessing healthcare and have poorer health outcomes than those without developmental disabilities. Reasonable adjustments can improve accessibility and quality of healthcare for people with disabilities and involves adapting practices and environments to promote equitable healthcare. There is a scarcity of literature focused on the application of reasonable adjustments in the Indonesian nursing context. A greater understanding of the application of reasonable adjustments in this context can help inform nursing curricula and policy. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey -was undertaken and is reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Evaluations and Non-randomised Designs. Following descriptive analysis, bivariate analyses were undertaken between key demographic, workplace, and self-reported capability variables, and familiarity and implementation of reasonable adjustments. The majority of respondents were not familiar with the concept of reasonable adjustments and self-reported sometimes applying it within their practice. Higher levels of educational and clinical exposure to intellectual disability and/or autism, and self-capability variables, were significantly associated with familiarity with reasonable adjustments and their application. An increase in nursing curricula focused on caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism, including content focused on applying reasonable adjustments, is indicated. Given that, internationally, people with intellectual disability and/or autism have disproportionately negative health outcomes and experiences, findings highlighting gaps in understanding and application of reasonable adjustments of Indonesian nurses have substantial implications for nursing policy and curriculum.