Abstract Details

Title Qualitative Evaluation of an Interactive Art Intervention to Improve Resident Comfort with Working with Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Topic Education, Research, and Methodology

Presentation(s) P4 - Poster Session 4 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-005

Background

Many physicians feel uncomfortable caring for patients with IDD. One strategy for improving comfort leverages contact theory: increasing interactions with dissimilar people can promote tolerance and acceptance.

Objective To investigate resident experience with and feasibility of a novel education experience interacting with artists with IDD.

Design/Methods In partnership with a community organization, we conducted 1-hour interactive art sessions in residency programs. Artists with IDD guided resident physicians through collaborative art activities. Small groups (1-2 artists with IDD and 2-6 residents) were facilitated by community leaders with printed conversation guides at each table. The residents switched tables after 20 minutes, offering the opportunity to interact with multiple artists. During each session, three team members took field notes that were used for iterative improvement of future sessions. One month after the sessions, virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 resident participants across the 4 residencies. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a rapid matrix analysis.

Results

47 residents participated across 4 residency programs. Interviews demonstrated that this intervention was feasible and acceptable. The collaborative art activity leveled power dynamics and encouraged groups to work toward a shared goal. Residents reported that this non-medical experience with artists with IDD helped them feel more prepared for interactions with patients with IDD. One resident explained, “…exposure, having time to talk with them. I think it improves people’s comfort level.” Another reflected on how the session influenced a subsequent encounter with a patient with IDD: “It allowed me to have more curiosity about this person and not jump to any conclusions about their… cognitive limitations.” Residents overall wanted more formal instruction on how to improve their care of patients with IDD.

Conclusions

Facilitated interactions like these art-based sessions were feasible and positively impacted residents’ outlook on caring for adults with IDD. Residents want more education and experiences with individuals with IDD.

Authors/Disclosures
Jessica Sanders, MD (University of Colorado) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Sanders has received research support from Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health. The institution of Dr. Sanders has received research support from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Ashley Dafoe (ACCORDS, CU Anschutz)	No disclosure on file
Brooke Dorsey Holliman	No disclosure on file