Good practice, general practice: identifying the health needs of people with learning disabilities.

People with learning disabilities are more prone to certain illnesses than the general population, yet they tend to under-use primary health care services. This suggests that the health needs of this population may be under-detected, with consequences for onward referral to secondary care services....

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Clinical Governance Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 83 - 89
Autores principales: Goldsmith S, Cooray S, Johnston F, Williams G
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Radcliffe Publishing 2000 Jun
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:People with learning disabilities are more prone to certain illnesses than the general population, yet they tend to under-use primary health care services. This suggests that the health needs of this population may be under-detected, with consequences for onward referral to secondary care services. This audit involved a retrospective review of 102 medical records for people known to the Brent Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities registered with eight target general practices. 21 key criteria were developed in collaboration with GPs and specialist professionals to measure current practice. Findings revealed significant variations in the monitoring and recording of health information. Following the audit, a Health Information Card was introduced to assist GPs to collect, record and use data on the health needs of people with learning disabilities. Although a review of the impact of the Health Information Card has not yet been undertaken, some evidence is emerging that this tool is helping primary care professionals to focus on the health needs of this important section of the community.