Province-Wide Survey of the Effects of Quality Assurance Measures on Services for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Challenging Behaviours

Abstract

Introduction: In 2008, the Ministry of Community and Social Services in Ontario, Canada passed a developmental services act that includes the Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) for Behaviour Interventions (Part III) and the QAM Policy Directives for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and challenging behaviour. No research has examined the impact of QAM on IDD services. Methods: Online surveys addressing knowledge, practices and opinions related to QAM Part III and the Policy Directives were distributed to four general groups of Ontario IDD service personnel. Results: Sixty-six direct-care supervisors, 76 direct-care staff, 79 behaviour consultants, and 26 supervisors in behaviour support services participated. Direct-care staff had less knowledge and a poorer opinion of QAM than the other personnel. Primary reported concerns involved inadequate training and resources to meet QAM requirements. Conclusions: Personnel’s overall evaluation of QAM is predominantly favourable. Increasing resources, clarifying requirements, and promoting consistent monitoring related to QAM may help address the identified concerns.