The Global Intellectual Disability Nursing Research Collaboratory: Forming an international transformational nursing...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Global Health
• Disability Studies

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) urged international healthcare leaders in 2022 to promote equitable healthcare for disabled individuals.
• Existing healthcare disparities for people with intellectual disabilities necessitate collaborative global solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Global Intellectual Disability Nurse Research Collaboratory (GIDNRC) as a novel international network.
• To outline the GIDNRC's objectives in enhancing understanding, research, policy, and clinical care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature and research was conducted.
• International policies and nursing networking initiatives were analyzed.
• The foundational issues leading to the GIDNRC's establishment were explored.

Main Results:

• The GIDNRC was created to address critical gaps in intellectual disability care.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing challenges and necessitated new approaches to care delivery.
• Nurses represent a significant global health workforce with the potential to drive significant improvements in care equity.

Conclusions:

• The GIDNRC offers a platform to overcome barriers to equitable care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Strengthening nurses' clinical skills and fostering knowledge sharing are key GIDNRC aims.
• International nursing policy must prioritize the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and the role of nurses in addressing them.