Related Experiment Videos
Implementing a direct support staff intervention in services for people with intellectual disabilities and
Petri J C M Embregts1, Steffan Widdershoven1,2, Suzanne Lokman1
1Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands.
Background:
Effective interventions often fail to achieve lasting impact due to implementation barriers. This study examined how Support Staff in the Spotlight - an intervention that enhances emotional intelligence and interactional awareness among support staff working with service users with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour - can be embedded in daily routines within intellectual disability care.
Method:
Using a hybrid effectiveness-implementation-design guided by the ItFits-framework, two Dutch care organisations completed a two-part-process: a needs assessment to identify barriers and facilitators, followed by communities of practice where key stakeholders co-created and refined tailored strategies. Data from focus-groups, structured logs, and interviews were analysed thematically.
Results:
The process helped to translate identified needs into concrete actions, such as adapting video-feedback procedures and embedding reflection in team routines. Organisational capacity, managerial continuity, and psychological safety were decisive for sustainability.
Conclusion:
Leadership engagement and routinised reflection moments were crucial for sustaining staff-focused interventions in practice.