Literature Review on Provision of Appropriate and Accessible ...

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Grover considered that successful management of the contraceptive
and menstrual concerns of young women with significant intellectual
disability and high support needs can be readily met by approaches
normally taken <strong>Literature</strong> with non-disabled <strong>Review</strong> Provision women. of Appropriate and Accessible
Support to People with an Intellectual Disability who are
Experiencing Crisis Pregnancy
Griffin et al.‘s study (1994) also demonstrated the ability of women
with intellectual disability, even those with high support needs, to gain
additional skills in their personal menstrual management. Grover (2002)
concluded by asserting that, as surgical interventions are infrequently
required, GPs with appropriate resources and support should be able to
confidently care for young women with significant intellectual disability.
Keywood advises that creating time and being generous with time
is essential, so that the decision-making of people with intellectual
disabilities is facilitated and supported and their consent to treatment is
achieved by a reflective and informed process (2003). Similarly, Grover
(2002) notes that appropriate allowance for the longer consultation time
involved in the care of clients, and access and referral by doctors to
appropriate education and resources are additional requirements.
Servais (2006) argues that healthcare professionals can best advocate
for and support the sexual health needs of people with intellectual
disability by assessing contraception, hygiene management, STDs,
and abuse prevention from the individual rather than the caregiver
perspective to the maximum extent possible. The needs of people
with intellectual disability vary greatly according to factors such as the
individual’s life milieu, knowledge, disability severity, age and gender,
rendering it impossible to issue global healthcare guidelines for people
with intellectual disability. Therefore, an individualised, person-centred,
multidisciplinary approach that incorporates caregivers, medical staff,
educators, and the individual should be used to provide comprehensive
sexual healthcare to persons with intellectual disability. This level of care
may be achieved in specific facilities when available, but can also occur
wherever there are medical and health professionals who are committed
to a collaborative and global approach to sexual health concerns (Servais
et al., 2002).
It may be difficult for a woman with intellectual disability to discuss
issues of sexuality and contraception with parents or carers, as they may