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Health disparities of adults with intellectual disabilities: what do we know? What do we do?
- Authors:
- KRAHN Gloria L., FOX Michael H.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(5), 2014, pp.431-446.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Building on historical context, the paper summarises what is known about health disparities from reports and research and provides direction on what to do to reduce these disparities among adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods: The present authors examined literature from 2002 to 2011 on health disparities and people with disabilities looking for broad themes on documenting disparities and on research approaches and methods. Results: Multiple countries published reports on health of people with intellectual disabilities. Researchers summarized existing research within a health disparities framework. A number of promising methodologies are identified such as health services research, health indicators, enhanced surveillance and mixed-methods. Conclusions: Strategies to reduce health disparities include use of data to educate decision makers, attention to social determinants and a life-course model and emphasis on leveraging inclusion in mainstream services where possible. (Edited publisher abstract)
On your bike
- Author:
- McMILLAN Ian A.
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 14(4), July/August 2014, pp.12-13.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The Cycling for All project in Kent give people with learning disabilities a chance to improve their physical health. It is based at Cyclopart, a charity run on behalf of Kent County Council and other bodies. The facility has an oval track used by the Cycling for All clients. Many of those using the service have been referred by the physiotherapy services. (Original abstract)
Caring for a child with learning disabilities: over a prolonged period of time: an exploratory survey on the experiences and health of older parent carers living in Scotland
- Authors:
- CAIRNS Deborah, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(5), 2014, pp.471-480.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
To examine the impacts of a lifetime of caring on older parents of offspring with learning disabilities an exploratory postal survey was completed by 100 older parent carers. The survey including the Medical Outcome Study (Short Form) 36 version 2 (SF-36v2). The reported survey is part of a larger mixed method study including in-depth interviews. The majority of respondents (n = 91) reported caring for 50 h or more per week with multiple caregiving duties. While the SF-36v2 reported physical health of older parent carers to be similar to UK norms, their mental health was significantly reduced. The findings highlight the vulnerability of ageing parents of offspring with learning disabilities. This previously underreported situation warrants further investigation and urgent attention from health and social care agencies and professionals. (Edited publisher abstract)
Learning disabilities health charter for social care providers: self assessment tool
- Authors:
- TURNER Sue, ROBINSON Carol
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 13
- Place of publication:
- London
This self assessment tool has been developed to support the implementation of the Health Charter, to help social care providers assess who well they progressing in delivering the Charter for people with learning disabilities. Each of the statements have a number of questions which an organisation can score themselves against. Issues covered in the charter include: mental capacity law; listening to and involving family carers; providing training to staff on health and wellbeing issues; providing accessible information to people with a learning disability; providing support to attend appointments; promote access to screening tests; and facilitating annual health checks. Organisations can then use their self assessment to make changes to practice. (Edited publisher abstract)
Improving the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities: guidance for social care providers and commissioners (to support implementation of the health charter)
- Authors:
- TURNER Sue, ROBINSON Carol
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 29
- Place of publication:
- London
People with learning disabilities have poorer health than the general population, much of which is avoidable. This means that people with learning disabilities experience health inequalities. A Health Charter, consisting of a series of pledges, has been developed to help support social care providers to improve the health and well-being of people with learning disabilities. This guidance document explains each of the Health Charter's 11 statements, outlines why they are important, and provides case examples and links to useful resources for each. Issues covered in the charter include: mental capacity law; listening to and involving family carers; providing training to staff on health and wellbeing issues; providing accessible information to people with a learning disability; providing support to attend appointments; promote access to screening tests; and facilitating annual health checks.
Health charter for social care providers
- Author:
- PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 3
- Place of publication:
- London
People with learning disabilities generally have poorer health and die younger than the general population. This Health Charter consists of a series of pledges to give adult social care providers and staff a clear framework for improving their practice and the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities. The charter includes the need to: ensuring support is available to advocate on behalf an an individual if required; promote access to screening tests; facilitate annual health checks; ensure that each person who wants one has an health action plan and hospital passport. (Edited publisher abstract)
Promoting health of people with intellectual disabilities: views of professionals working in group homes
- Authors:
- WAHLSTROM Lina, BERGSTROM Helena, MARTTILA Anneli
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 18(2), 2014, pp.113-128.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Deinstitutionalisation has influenced the life situation for people with intellectual disabilities, whilst the experiences of health promotion in group homes now are limited. This study aimed to explore aspects important to consider when promoting health amongst persons with intellectual disabilities in group homes, from the perspective of professionals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven professionals and were analysed with thematic analysis. The overarching theme ‘sense of security’ was identified as a prerequisite for health promotion, together with the sub-themes ‘resources in the organisation’, for example, respectful treatment of the residents, and `resources of the residents', for example, meaningfulness and social connectedness. Findings were discussed from the perspective of health assets which is defined as the factors contributing to maintain and sustain health. The importance of strengthening external assets, that is, resources in the society and the organisation, to promote internal assets, that is, residents’ individual resources, and ultimately their health, is emphasised. (Publisher abstract)
Avoiding delays in diagnosis: the importance of proactive liaison and education of staff in the general hospital
- Authors:
- WALDER Anna, GREEN Robert, SONI Sujata
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(6), 2014, pp.399-402.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the difficulties patients with intellectual disabilities face when they present to a general hospital with ambiguous symptoms and highlights the importance of adequate training for general staff in caring for people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The authors describe the pathway of a person with a learning disability and mental health problems from A&E, through a general hospital, to discharge and the problems encountered in terms of diagnostic clarity and subsequent treatment. Findings: Delay in recognising a psychiatric cause for his symptoms and wrongly attributing his symptoms to his learning disability may have led to a protracted admission and invasive tests. Originality/value: Education of healthcare professionals and proactive liaison work can help improve outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities when they are admitted to generic services. (Publisher abstract)
Hear our voice: the change we want to see: 2015-2020
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 25
- Place of publication:
- London
This manifesto is a collection of stories from people with a learning disability and their families, indicating what changes they want to see from the 2015 General Election. Their key asks focus on social care, health, welfare and benefits, education, early years and hate crime. (Edited publisher abstract)
An inpatient Healthy Living Group
- Authors:
- ROSE Lexy, BREEN Olivia, WEBB Zillah
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(2), 2014, pp.128-137.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of a Healthy Living Group (HLG) for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems in an inpatient setting. Design/methodology/approach: Seven sessions were developed. Each session focussed on a different aspect of healthy living, and used psychoeducation and practical skill building to enable individuals to create personalised healthy living plans. Quantitative post-intervention measures and a qualitative focus group were used to determine group participants’ learning and enjoyment. Findings: Principles about healthy living were successfully taught in an enjoyable way to individuals with learning disabilities. Factors that enhanced learning and those that created barriers to developing healthy living plans are explored. Practical implications: Individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems can be supported to develop personalised healthy living plans. Recommendations for further adaptations to the group structure are made, in order to enable others to run successful groups. Originality/value: The HLG is the first of its kind to be developed for individuals with learning disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)