Making clinical consultations inclusive for people with learning disabilities

Abstract

People with learning disabilities, autism or both (PWLDA) are severely impacted by health inequalities. Health professionals report a lack of confidence and competence when communicating with PWLDA, often leading to over-prescribing medicines and poor-quality care. This article describes a collaboration between a university and the Adventurers, a group of PWLDA, to co-produce communication training as part of a prescribing training programme. Over 800 prescribers reported improved communication skills with PWLDA. The project increased the group's understanding of the healthcare system and appreciation of the power of their voice in shaping their care. The co-production model is now being adopted wider within the university. The Adventurers went on to co-design services and research studies with other organisations and, as a result, won a regional south-west co-production award.