Abstract
The widespread move to community care for people with a learning disability has caused a change in roles for both the psychiatrist and the general practitioner. The general practitioner is now widely recognised as the primary medical carer for people with a learning disability (Howells, 1991), with the psychiatrist providing specialist support.
Highlights
The widespread move to community care for people with a learning disability has caused a change in roles for both the psychiatrist and the general practitioner
The general practitioner is widely recognised as the primary medical carer for people with a learning disability (Howells, 1991), with the psychiatrist providing specialist support
Research has shown deficiencies in the care of people with a learning disability in the com munity (Howells, 1986), we do not as yet know what specialised skills, if any, the GP will need in his new role, though it is certain that in future primary care will need more specific organisation to provide care for the learning disabled (Cumella et al, 1992). oftCenurrreeqnut irpessycthheiattrraicinetreaitnoinpgroivnidleea"rnpirnimg adryisacbailriety"
Summary
As part of a six month assignment in learning disabilities the psychiatric trainee covers the health needs of several wards in a mental handicap hospital. This is one aspect of his training which includes out-patient and neuro-psychiatric experience. LoTahde and felt to be typical of those residents cur rently being resettled into the community. Every doctor contact with resident or staff was recorded on a data collection form. Data were col lected on urgency of call, time taken, diagnosis, further investigations, treatment and need of special ist referral. All out of hour calls were recorded
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