GP Access & Quality of Experience for People with Learning Disabilities

Summary 

Studies have shown that some people with learning disabilities are currently failing to attend an annual GP health check, which are necessary to identify and treat problems in order to maintain health and well-being.

In addition, a person with a learning disability may find it hard to communicate and may be seen as a low priority and due to this may put up with a lot of pain and discomfort before seeking help. Even then they may find it difficult to describe symptoms and understand what they are being told. 

Currently, in Bexley the number of adults with a learning disability known to GP’s and the Local Authority is lower than the national average.

Key Findings

1. People with a learning disability need to book a longer appointment.
2. The need accessible information.
3. The uptake of routine health checks needs to increase.
4. The black book needs to be reassessed so as it works to provide the information necessary for healthcare professionals.
5. Patients need to be collected from waiting rooms to assess mobility.
6. Healthcare staff require more training for understanding the wide range of learning disabilities and each individual as a whole.
7. The dangers of delaying or deferring action on symptoms needs to be explained.