Abstract
Answer E. Offer the first appointment of the session/day with a longer/double appointment if possible
Annual health checks for adults with learning disabilities have been shown to be effective in identifying new health needs and providing an opportunity to review co-morbidities. Having a clinical lead for intellectual disabilities within the practice supports coordination and improves continuity of care. A multidisciplinary team approach may also be needed to undertake the health checks successfully. For the consultation itself, offer someone with intellectual disabilities the first appointment of the day/session. offer longer consultation time, address the person with intellectual disabilities first, ask open-ended questions and try changing the format to avoid answers being automatically repeated. Use simple language and consider communication aids. Carers offer very useful information. Check understanding by asking the patient to explain advice in their own words.
InnovAiT article: Health promotion and screening for people with intellectual disability. DOI: