@inproceedings{1314, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The aim of this low-threshold intervention is that people with intellectual disabilities have, understand and adherently follow a medication plan that is integrated into their individual daily routine. This is intended to improve medication adherence and the reduction of medication complexity. METHODS: The intervention consists of 1) two outreach home visits to the client, 2) continuous telephone contact, 3) case conference with an external multiprofessional team, 4) case review with the prescribing physicians. In close cooperation with the formal and informal care system as well as the prescribing physicians, APNs analyze and reflect the different components of medication management and initiate changes to prescriptions where appropriate. They offer patient education and counseling concerning health literacy and medication adherence, and they actively involve the people with ID and their social environment. The APNs were qualified for their roles in this approach with a tailored training program. The multimodal evaluation comprises three research approaches. First, an RCT with N=202 participants examines the impact of the complex intervention on medication adherence (primary outcome), medication complexity, use of psychotropics and quality of life (secondary outcomes). Second, semi-structured interviews address participants of the RCT, their physicians, legal guardians, professional team and the APNs as the relevant stakeholder groups. Third, a participatory research approach involves people with intellectual disabilities as co- researchers. RESULTS: Well-founded results will be available mid-2020. Initial results indicate that the APNs are able to uncover medication management deficits and initiate improvements. Initial findings from the qualitative interviews indicate that the approach enables the participants to address health-related issues, including those beyond medication issues that previously remained unaddressed. Their external perspective and expertise may bring new impulses for practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: People with intellectual disabilities often have complex care needs, limited health literacy and polypharmacy occurs more frequently in their medication regimen. However, despite their special needs they often have limited access to health services. APNs with advanced skills in patient education, counseling and in dealing with the difficulties of communication with people with intellectual disabilities and offer the opportunity to improve nursing care for these clients.}, author = {Grebe, Christian and Nadolny, Stephan and Heitland, Lisa and Latteck, Änne-Dörte}, location = {Taipeh}, title = {{An Advanced Practice Nursing Approach to Improve Medication Management for Adults with Intellectual Disability and Polypharmacy}}, year = {2020}, }