Abstract
Background This study explores the perceptions of a group of adults with intellectual disability regarding direct support staff.
Method Semi-structured interviews relating to experiences of direct support staff were developed from two focus groups. These interviews were conducted with 11 adults with intellectual disability residing within a forensic inpatient service.
Results Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed two superordinate themes; namely, staff relationship factors and positive and negative attributes of staff. The participants valued relationships with staff based on qualities such as honesty, trust, and a caring, nurturing manner that enabled individuals to feel safe. Staff characteristics such as immaturity, inexperience, and a short temper appeared to lead to feelings of discontentment amongst the participants.
Conclusions The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to clinical practice, staff recruitment, and training.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all participants who took part in the study; thanks is also extended to Rebecca Fish for helpful comments on earlier drafts.