A survey of Indonesian nurses' educational experiences and self-perceived capability to care for people with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder

Aims: To describe Indonesian nurses' educational experience regarding care for people with intellectual disability and/or autism and to explore if these educational experiences are associated with their self-perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge and preparedness to care for these cohorts.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey.

Methods: A descriptive survey tool utilized in a study of Australian registered nurses was replicated and adapted for this study. Following descriptive analysis, chi-square analyses were undertaken to explore associations between educational experiences, and self-rated measures of confidence, comfort and knowledge to work with people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Although there was no end-user involvement in the design of the study, the concepts explored have all been raised by those with lived insights of intellectual disability and/or autism as being critical to their healthcare experiences.

Results: There were 544 complete responses, and 51.7% were not exposed to any educational or clinical content relevant to caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Moderate to low levels of self-perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge and preparedness to address healthcare needs of these cohorts were reported. Significant associations were identified between educational and clinical experiences during undergraduate training, and higher levels of self-perceived confidence, comfort and knowledge.

Conclusion: Mirroring international literature, the findings of this study highlight a large proportion of Indonesian nurses had little educational experience relevant to caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism, and have relatively low levels of self-reported capability.

Impact: This study highlights gaps in the educational experiences, and self-perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge and preparedness of Indonesian nurses regarding caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Given that internationally, people with intellectual disability and/or autism have disproportionately negative health outcomes and experiences, these findings have substantial implications for nursing curriculum, policy and professional development.