Incoming professionals' perspectives on the application of new knowledge in care organisations for people with intellectual disabilities: a concept mapping study

ObjectivesWithin care organisations for people with intellectual disabilities, numerous strategies are employed to stimulate the application of new knowledge, and professionals play a key role in this process. Consequently, gaining insight into professionals' perspectives on how to encourage the application of new knowledge is vital, especially in the case of incoming professionals. They have a stronger need for new knowledge due to having acquired only a limited knowledge base about intellectual disabilities in their education. Therefore, this study focused on the incoming professionals' perspectives on factors stimulating application of new knowledge within the care and support for people with intellectual disabilities.MethodsA concept mapping study was conducted with incoming support staff, psychologists, and intellectual disabilities physicians. Data collection included brainstorming, pile sorting and rating to create three concept maps, which were interpreted by experts.ResultsOverall, the participants generated 234 statements. Incoming support staff primarily expressed their preference for experiential and work-based learning and described their role as being knowledge receivers. Incoming psychologists and physicians expressed their ownership of knowledge in requesting opportunities to develop themselves.ConclusionTo enhance incoming professionals' application of new knowledge, care organisations for people with intellectual disabilities can encourage professionals in manifold ways, ranging from providing (in)formal learning opportunities and accessible sites to creating a learning culture.