title: The training needs of staff supporting individuals ageing with intellectual disability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The issue of ageing within the cohort of people with intellectual disabilities has been an increasing focus for research. However, the training needs of the staff who support them has not been subject of extensive examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multiround Delphi project was conducted focusing upon the impact ageing issues have on the support provided by disability workers, and what training is required to address the identified areas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three rounds of the Delphi identified twenty-six separate important issues. A thematic analysis identified five main themes including Generic Training Issues; Medical Issues; Emerging Ageing Issues Requiring Changing Support; Mental Health Issues; and Quality of Life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study identified a series of training priorities for staff assisting people ageing with an intellectual disability. It would appear possible for many training programmes to be developed and delivered with minimal cost impacts even within rural localities.
authors.affiliation: School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; The Ascent Group, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wark
authors.forename: Rafat
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population
keywords: ageing; intellectual disability; rural; staff; training; workers