Quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a review of the empirical research literature.
BACKGROUND
This study provides an overview of empirical research on the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD).


METHODS
Through computerised searches of the PsycINFO and ERIC databases, and using several search criteria specifically relating to the target group and to the subject of this review, 16 studies were identified.


RESULTS
The interventions described are targeted at the physical and material well-being, emotional well-being, social interactions, choices, and personal development of individuals with PIMD, but do not address community participation and rights. The majority of the studies report positive effects of the interventions on staff and/or client behaviour. However these effects should be interpreted with caution because of methodological and other considerations.


CONCLUSIONS
Current research gives only limited insight into the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with PIMD. To foster evidence-based practice, further studies of larger groups and with more robust designs are warranted. The potential differential effects associated with client characteristics and the context of the implementation should also be considered.
Maes
Bea
B
Catholic University of Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Leuven, Belgium. bea.maes@ped.kuleuven.be
Lambrechts
Greet
G
Hostyn
Ine
I
Petry
Katja
K
D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D036262:Empirical Research; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome