Effects of a self-management training for people with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: To help people with intellectual disabilities lead a more independent life, it is important to promote their self-management. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a self-management training for people with intellectual disabilities directed at independent functioning in daily life. METHOD: In the training, 17 people with intellectual disabilities worked on personal self-management goals covering a wide range of everyday affairs. Primary outcome measures focused on goal attainment, independence and support needs. Moreover, outcomes regarding psychopathological behaviour and quality of life were explored. Data were collected before and at the start of the training, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months later. RESULTS: The training contributed to the attainment of self-management goals and to the reduction in support needs (p < 0.01). There were no changes in independence, psychopathological behaviour and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the training supports people with intellectual disabilities to self-manage their daily affairs.

Training staff to promote self-management in people with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities have increasing difficulties managing their daily affairs. This study examined the effectiveness of a staff training, which teaches staff to promote self-management in people with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: Effectiveness was assessed with questionnaires addressing clients' (n = 26) independence and self-reliance, support needs and challenging behaviour, using a pre-posttest control group design. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with trained staff members 6 months after the training. RESULTS: In the long term, the intervention group showed a significant increase in independence and self-reliance, in contrast to the comparison group. No effect was found on support needs and challenging behaviour. Trained staff members reported limited benefits of the training, but had noticed changes in their attitude and method of working afterwards. CONCLUSIONS: Further self-management research is required to investigate how independence and self-reliance can be promoted more effectively in this population. Future trainings should carefully consider their content, format, and implementation.