Primary health care provision for people with learning disabilities: a survey of parents

Abstract

A survey on the accessibility and experience of primary health care by parents of people with learning disabilities was conducted. A postal questionnaire was sent to 40 parents of clients with a learning disability (aged 4-56) to elicit views and opinions concerning the delivery of primary health care to people with learning disabilities in the UK. The response rate was 34 (85%). It was reported that most primary health care services do not use alternative communication systems. Parents of moderately disabled children were found to be able to access referral for specialist treatment more easily, and are expressing a higher level of satisfaction. In spite of a number of wide-ranging services identified, the focus of primary health care was upon generic general practice and dental services. Specialist services, such as the community learning disability nurse, were not being heavily involved in primary health care.