Communication-based behaviour support for adults with intellectual disabilities receiving dental care: A focus group study exploring dentists' decision-making and communication. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phadraig, Caoimhin Mac Giolla; Griffiths, Colin; McCallion, Philip; McCarron, Mary; Nunn, June
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disabilities. Volume 23:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 526
• Page End: 540
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: intellectual disability -- behaviour support -- dentistry -- focus group; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Handicap intellectuel; Trouble d'apprentissage; Handicapé mental; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 362.1968588
• DOI: 10.1177/1744629517738404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-6295

Abstract

A better understanding of how communication-based behaviour supports are applied with adults with intellectual disabilities may reduce reliance on restrictive practices such as holding, sedation and anaesthesia in dentistry. In this study, we explore how communication is used by dentists who provide treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities. A descriptive qualitative study, adopting synchronous online focus groups, was undertaken with six expert dentists in Ireland. Members were contacted again in pairs or individually for further data collection, analysed using thematic content analysis. Two relevant categories emerged from the data, relating to the selection and application of communication-based behaviour support for adults with intellectual disabilities. Decision-making processes were explored. Building on these categories, a co-regulating process of communication emerged as the means by which dentists iteratively apply and adapt communicative strategies. This exploration revealed rationalist and intuitive decision-making. Implications for education, practice and research are identified.