Successful Health Screening through Desensitisation for People with Learning Disabilities: A training and resource pack for healthcare professionals provides a practical evidence-based framework, tools and resources for supporting an individual with basic health screening and desensitisation.The framework and resources in this training pack respond directly to evidence of how the health needs of people with a learning disability are not adequately met.The material provides the practical approaches necessary to positively support people with a learning disability to overcome fear and anxiety, successfully access health screening and so help to improve their overall health and quality of life. Successful Health Screening Through Desensitisation for People With Learning Disabilities will inform and benefit GPs, practice nurses and other healthcare professionals, learning disability teams who are supporting access to services, support staff, families and people with learning disabilities.
Sarah Walker is a senior community learning disability nurse working for Kent Community Health Foundation Trust in the Community Learning Disability Team. Sarah gained many years' experience working with people with a learning disability as a support worker in community services. This led to her graduating from the University of Greenwich in 2007 as a learning disability nurse. Since qualifying, Sarah has gained many years of experience working within community, inpatient and forensic services. Her passion for enabling people with a learning disability to access generic health screening led to the pilot project within this pack. Lisa Harrington is a specialist community matron currently working for Kent Community Health Foundation Trust. She graduated from the Elizabeth Raybould Centre for Health Care Studies in Dartford, Kent in 1990 and has since graduated in 2003 from Christchurch University with a diploma in applied psychology of learning disability. Lisa has worked for many years with people with a learning disability who have challenging needs, in both residential, supported living and community roles.
Barriers to health screeningWhat is desensitisation?Individual case studiesClinician's SectionThe clinician's roleThe screening processDesensitisation screening toolBarriers to health screening checklistPreparing the environmentHealth screening equipmentPerson centred programmesEducating and supporting services, what can go wrong?Commitment Tool, setting up theDesensitisation Clinic, supporting familiesSupporting children with a learning disability.Carer's SectionThe role of the family and carer withHealth Screening Desensitisation,What can you do? commitment tools, practical tools.Service User's Section (in easy-read format) Health checks, getting help with health checks, easy read information, circle support, extra support 'All about you' and health screening stories.Ethical issuesStaff training resourcesResources and tools for health screening and desensitisation.
