Infusing intellectual and Developmental disability training into Medical School curriculum: a Pilot intervention

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Rising prevalence of developmental disabilities (DD) in the US.
• Insufficient healthcare professional training for this population, especially adults.
• Need for improved healthcare access and quality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an intervention using the National Inclusive Curriculum for Health Education (NICHE).
• To improve healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards PWIDD.
• To address gaps in care for adults with DD.

Main Methods:

• A 4-hour intervention integrated didactic sessions, a panel presentation by self-advocates and a parent, and clinical skills practice.
• Targeted second-year medical students.
• Evaluated using pre/post NICHE Knowledge and Attitudes surveys, analyzing differences by demographics and prior experience.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in both knowledge (65 to 73) and attitudes (0.55 to 0.53) scores post-intervention (p=0.00).
• Higher pretest knowledge observed in female students and those with more prior experience with PWIDD.
• Students reported prior training as 'lacking' and found the intervention effective.

Conclusions:

• A brief NICHE intervention significantly improved medical students' knowledge and attitudes towards PWIDD.
• Highlights the need for replication and sustainability of such programs.
• Addresses critical gaps in healthcare for PWIDD.