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Perspectives on multiple disabilities: from the creation of the term to current representations

Tafforeau, M., Pouyfaucon, M., Tessiot, C., Van Bogaert, P., Dinomais, M., & Richard, I.

Motricité Cérébrale, Volume 7736, Issue 3, 10/2022, Pages e1-e2, ISSN 0245-5919. doi: 10.1016/j.motcer.2022.04.002

Summary

Introduction: Polydisability is a French term that appeared in the 1960s in the context of medico-social institutions. The closest English translation is PIMD “Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities”, but these terms reflect a slightly different approach. Recent recommendations have been issued by the French National Authority for Health. The aim of this study is to explore the representations of various French players associated with polyhandicap, in order to better define the concept and facilitate international publications.

Methods: This study is based on 33 semi-structured interviews conducted from January to April 2021 with doctors, rehabilitators, caregivers and administrative staff involved with these patients. The interviews explored their views on the definition, assessment and management of multiple disabilities.

Results: Forty-five percent of respondents included profound mental retardation in the basic definition of multiple disabilities. Other respondents emphasize the variability of the extent of mental retardation, and some associate this item with communication difficulties. Co-existing disabilities are more or less listed. Fifty-eight percent say that multiple disabilities should not be limited to brain damage occurring early in brain development. Fifty-five percent consider that the needs of these patients are not sufficiently catered for.

Discussion: These multiple representations of multiple disabilities are a source of confusion and can be detrimental to people with multiple disabilities. This rather French concept, comprising three levels of analysis (medical, functional and social), and imperfectly covering other terms used abroad, makes it difficult to transpose internationally.

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