Implementing a direct support staff intervention in services for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour using the ItFits framework: From needs to action.

Authors

Petri J C M Embregts, Steffan Widdershoven, Suzanne Lokman, Fleur van Hoof, Laurie de Werdt, Noud Frielink

Published in

Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Pages 1-15. Sep 20, 2026. Epub Sep 20, 2026.

Abstract

Effective interventions often fail to achieve lasting impact due to implementation barriers. This study examined how Support Staff in the Spotlight - an intervention that enhances emotional intelligence and interactional awareness among support staff working with service users with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour - can be embedded in daily routines within intellectual disability care.
Using a hybrid effectiveness-implementation-design guided by the ItFits-framework, two Dutch care organisations completed a two-part-process: a needs assessment to identify barriers and facilitators, followed by communities of practice where key stakeholders co-created and refined tailored strategies. Data from focus-groups, structured logs, and interviews were analysed thematically.
The process helped to translate identified needs into concrete actions, such as adapting video-feedback procedures and embedding reflection in team routines. Organisational capacity, managerial continuity, and psychological safety were decisive for sustainability.
Leadership engagement and routinised reflection moments were crucial for sustaining staff-focused interventions in practice.

PMID:
42763875
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 21 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.