Nurses’ perceived role in healthcare transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND: Nurses’ role in the transition of adolescents living with intellectual disabilities (IDs) has always been neglected. The primary role of nurses is to promote health, provide nursing care, alleviate suffering and rehabilitate. Improving the quality of life for individuals with ID when they undergo the healthcare transition process from adolescence to adulthood was previously not considered a priority. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the nurses’ perceived role in healthcare transition of adolescents with ID into adulthood. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews with 18 nurse participants was used. The sample included 25 nurses working in care and rehabilitation centres and non-governmental organisations in Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. RESULTS: Three main themes that emerged from the analysis were support systems, advocacy and health promotion. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study clearly show the need for a strong healthcare support system to facilitate a successful transition process of adolescents with ID. The study findings support the view that nurses can play a key role in assisting individuals with ID and their families in dealing with the challenges of healthcare transitioning into adulthood.