Optimizing Care for Hospitalized Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Learning modules designed for working acute care nurses.

Optimizing Care for Hospitalized Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a collection of continuing education modules designed for acute care nurses. 

The learning materials include 13 engaging and interactive presentations designed to provide nurses with effective strategies to provide patient-centered care and effective communication with neurodiverse individuals, with an emphasis on those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

  • Online Learning Portal
    A nurse talking to a patient in a medical setting.

    An international body of subject matter experts guides the learner through each module in the series. The self-paced learning materials include case studies, self-advocate videos, and knowledge checks. Upon completion of the curriculum, nurses will be able to better communicate with and serve individuals with developmental disabilities before, during, and after hospitalization. Explore the topic areas and meet the subject matter experts featured in our acute care learning series. 

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The acute care learning materials were created to help nurses provide a higher quality of care to hospitalized individuals with IDD. This includes addressing the broader issues of longer hospital stays, treatment delays, and inadequate care that individuals with IDD face during hospitalization. In addition, these materials help nurses understand intellectual and developmental disabilities at a deeper level to dispel any misconceptions or negative stereotypes so that they are able to provide quality, professional care to this underserved population.

Lessons are grouped into three collections to provide time for processing and reflection. They can be used as part of an onboarding process for new employees or to fulfill continuing education requirements. 

If you are interested in learning more about this series or participating in a pilot program, contact Holly Brown at hbrown@sjf.edu


Interactive, Engaging Content

Immersive 3D nursing simulations complement and enhance course content on caring for patients with IDD.