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Professionals' prognoses for individuals with mental retardation: search for consensus within interdisciplinary
G N Siperstein1, M L Wolraich, D Reed
1Center for the Study of Social Acceptance, University of Massachusetts/Boston 02125-3393.
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Physicians hold lower expectations for individuals with moderate to severe mental retardation. Consensus on prognosis only exists for mild mental retardation, questioning interdisciplinary team communication benefits.
Area of Science:
- Intellectual Disability Research
- Medical Prognosis Studies
- Professional Beliefs in Healthcare
Background:
- Previous research indicates a lack of professional agreement on prognoses for individuals with mental retardation.
- Understanding professional expectations is crucial for effective care and support planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate professionals' prognoses regarding capabilities, residential, and vocational placement for individuals with varying degrees of mental retardation.
- To compare prognostic beliefs across different professional groups.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 567 professionals from 50 University Affiliated Programs.
- Utilized the Prognostic Beliefs Scale to assess expectations.
- Included participants from four distinct professional groups.
Main Results:
- Physicians demonstrated significantly lower expectations and more pessimistic prognoses for individuals with moderate or severe mental retardation compared to other professionals.
- A consensus on prognosis was observed exclusively for individuals with mild mental retardation.
- Significant differences in prognostic beliefs were found among professional groups.
Conclusions:
- Professional disparities in expectations may impact the care and outcomes for individuals with mental retardation.
- The findings challenge the assumed benefits of interdisciplinary team communication regarding consistent professional expectations.
- Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing these varied professional prognoses.