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The Impact of Direct Support Professional Turnover on the Health and Safety of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Journal Article Expanding Access & Cultural Competence
February 25, 2021

This study explored how direct support professional (DSP) turnover impacts the health and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD)–drawing on secondary data regarding DSP turnover and health and safety (i.e., emergency room visits, incidents of abuse and neglect, injuries, and behavioral events) from a random sample of 251 people with I/DD.

https://www.aaidd.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/friedman3b2e56ae9e8c6329b425ff0000b6faa6.pdf?sfvrsn=57a23521_0

Key Takeaways

DSP turnover significantly impacts both providers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This research found DSP turnover was associated with more emergency room visits, abuse and neglect, and injuries.
These findings applied to all individuals, regardless of their support needs.
 

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