Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21729
Title: Informed consent in a vulnerable population group: supporting individuals aging with intellectual disability to participate in developing their own health and support programs
Contributor(s): Wark, Stuart  (author)orcid ; MacPhail, Catherine  (author)orcid ; McKay, Kathy  (author); Muller, Arne (author)
Publication Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/ah15235
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21729
Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the use of complementary consent methodologies to support a potentially vulnerable group of people, namely those aging with intellectual disability, to provide personal input. It was premised on the view that processes to determine capacity for consent, appropriately modified to account for individual capabilities and current circumstances, could facilitate meaningful participation in the development of personal health care plans of people previously excluded from contributing. Methods: The present descriptive case study research was undertaken in New South Wales, Australia. A seven-step process for determining capacity for consent was developed, and 10 participants aged between 54 and 73 years with lifelong intellectual disability and health comorbidities were involved. A variety of assistive communication tools was used to support individuals to demonstrate their capacity for giving informed consent. Results: After being provided with tailored support mechanisms, seven participants were considered to meet all seven components for determining capacity for consent. Three participants were deemed not to have capacity to give consent regardless of the type of support provided. Conclusions: Three critical factors for facilitating personal involvement in decision making for individuals with an intellectual disability were identified: (1) defining consent specifically for the target outcome; (2) outlining the criteria needed for consent to be obtained; and (3) using appropriately modified alternative communication mechanisms as necessary.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Australian Health Review, 41(4), p. 436-442
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Place of Publication: Australia
ISSN: 1449-8944
0156-5788
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified
111702 Aged Health Care
111703 Care for Disabled
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 420301 Aged health care
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 920502 Health Related to Ageing
920506 Rural Health
920403 Disability and Functional Capacity
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200502 Health related to ageing
200508 Rural and remote area health
200403 Disability and functional capacity
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Rural Medicine

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