Adverse Effects in Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Hospitalized at the University Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Clinical Risk Management
• Vulnerable Populations

Background:

• Adverse events (AEs) are critical indicators of healthcare quality and patient safety.
• Assessing AEs as a clinical risk is essential, particularly for vulnerable patient groups.
• Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDD) represent a population with high social and clinical vulnerability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and significance of adverse events (AEs) in patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDD).
• To evaluate AEs as a specific clinical risk within the PwIDD population.
• To inform healthcare practices for improved patient safety in PwIDD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective epidemiological cohort study design.
• Comparison of exposed (PwIDD) and unexposed (control) groups.
• Estimation of AE incidence and statistical analysis of differences.

Main Results:

• Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 30.4% of the exposed PwIDD group, significantly higher than the unexposed group (p=0.009).
• No significant gender-based differences in AE incidence were observed.
• Individuals aged 60-69 years exhibited the highest incidence of AEs, indicating age as a care risk marker.

Conclusions:

• PwIDD are at a significantly elevated risk of experiencing adverse events (AEs) in healthcare settings.
• Healthcare providers must recognize the heightened vulnerability of PwIDD to AEs.
• Personalized, preventive, and competent medical care is crucial for ensuring safe healthcare for PwIDD.