How special interest groups can support safe sexual well-being in adults with learning disabilities.

Special interest groups (SIGs) create a shared space in which healthcare professionals can network and collaborate on topics of mutual interest. These groups support the development of multiprofessional expertise and knowledge sharing by providing a forum in which healthcare professionals can hold c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Learning Disability Practice Vol. 23; no. 5; pp. 24 - 29
Main Authors: Watkin, Felicity, Emery, Philip, Doughty, Matthew
Format: Journal Article
Published: Royal College of Nursing of the United Kingdom (The) 9/24/2020
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Special interest groups (SIGs) create a shared space in which healthcare professionals can network and collaborate on topics of mutual interest. These groups support the development of multiprofessional expertise and knowledge sharing by providing a forum in which healthcare professionals can hold collaborative discussions on methods that will improve practice and care quality, and how to translate these into practice. Research shows that people with learning disabilities are more at risk of sexual abuse or exploitation, therefore they require support in areas such as relationship safety, emotional and sexual well-being, and sexual rights. This article describes how the North Staffordshire community learning disability team developed a SIG to support and promote safe sexual well-being for adults with learning disabilities and explains how the forum benefits staff, the organisation and service users.