The Role of the Physiotherapist in Learning Disabilities

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Introduction

We are a group of 4th year BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy students at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. As part of our Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Physiotherapy Practice module, we have decided to complete an online learning resource. This resource is primarily aimed at senior physiotherapy students and newly qualified physiotherapists. This online wiki will explore the areas of communication and health literacy when working with patients who have learning disabilities. This resource will take approximately 10 hours to complete and will contribute to your CPD profile. Besides providing you with new information and researched evidence, there will be quizzes and opportunities for you to reflect.

In 2015, there were 27,218 adults with learning disabilities known to local authorities in Scotland (SCLD). Most people with learning disabilities have greater health needs than the general population. People with learning disabilities are more likely to experience mental illness and are more prone to chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, physical and sensory impairments. A systematic review carried out in the Netherlands discovered that people with learning disabilities are at an increased risk of fractures and musculoskeletal impairments (Jansen). 50-90% of people with learning disabilities also have communication difficulties (Chadwick and Jolliffe).

Aims

The aims of this wiki are:

1. To provide final year physiotherapy students and new graduates with an online learning resource which develops their knowledge of learning disabilities and the common associated conditions that may require physiotherapy interventions.
2. To introduce final year physiotherapy students and newly qualified graduates to the skills and strategies which can be utilised within their practice to offer a more effective and comprehensive management of communication and health literacy to those with learning disabilities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this online activity you should be able to:

1. Discuss the impact of learning disabilities on the person and their needs in relation to physiotherapy interventions.
2. Critically appraise the evidence base and some of the key approaches surrounding communication and health literacy within learning disabilities.
3. Summarise the characteristics of psychological impacts and the underlying neurophysiology of communication difficulties experienced by those with learning disabilities.
4. Critically reflect upon the possible challenges faced by physiotherapists when communicating with people who have learning disabilities.
5. Critically evaluate the role of the physiotherapist in the area of learning disabilities with reference to relevant literature.
6. Formulate stronger patient-therapist relationship by applying these effective communication methods in the practice setting.
   

References

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