Clinical
Our clinical nursing articles aim to inform and educate nurse practitioners and students. This is achieved through the publication of peer-reviewed, evidence-based, relevant and topical articles.
Improving reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities in mental health...
Why you should read this article: • To gain insight into the challenges encountered by people with learning disabilities during mental health tribunal hearings • To learn about a project that aimed to identify opportunities to improve the reasonable adjustments made in tribunal hearings • To be aware of easy-read guidance that has been developed to facilitate understanding and participation in tribunal hearings for people with learning disabilities People with learning disabilities often encounter significant challenges during mental health tribunal hearings, such as difficulty with maintaining concentration. This article details a project that aimed to identify opportunities to improve reasonable adjustments in mental health tribunal hearings by seeking the views of people with learning disabilities and psychiatrists. The results highlighted the need for additional reasonable adjustments to be made to ensure that people with learning disabilities are supported effectively throughout the mental health tribunal process. The insights gained have resulted in national changes to the mental health tribunal process such as implementing breaks, facilitating full-day hearings, providing decisions in easy-read formats and improving communication methods. These reasonable adjustments not only empower people with learning disabilities but also advocate for a more equitable and fair healthcare system. It is important to consider the perspectives of people with learning disabilities in legal settings and the valuable role of learning disability nurses in advocating for this vulnerable group.
Learning disability nursing in a remote and rural location: benefits and challenges
Why you should read this article: • To understand the unique demands on learning disability nursing in remote and rural locations • To consider the barriers that can affect care in rural areas, such as lack of access to specialist services • To appreciate the need for innovation and creative solutions when working in remote locations Learning disability nursing in remote and rural locations can often be challenging, in part due to limited resources and access to services, but it can also be highly rewarding. This article describes the benefits and challenges of learning disability nursing in Shetland, a remote and rural location that comprises a group of islands north of the Scottish mainland. It also includes the reflections and insights of a nursing student who completed a nine-week placement on Shetland, to provide another perspective of learning disability nursing in this setting.
Using the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire for homeless people
Homeless services may not recognise service users’ intellectual disabilities
Forensic risk assessment in people with learning disabilities: principles and process
The process aims to provide a nuanced understanding of factors that may lead to offending behaviour
Promoting oral health for people with learning disabilities
How interventions such as desensitisation and reasonable adjustments can address challenges
How to support adherence to medicines among people with learning disabilities
A strategy is needed that includes education, reasonable adjustments and medication reviews
Supporting people with learning disabilities and needle phobia to be vaccinated
How a desensitisation programme was used to prepare people for the COVID-19 vaccination
How to diagnose constipation in people with learning disabilities
Diagnosis can be complicated by behaviours of concern in this patient group
Exploring the experiences of fathers who have a child with a learning disability
A literature review showed the need for tailored services or interventions to support fathers
Using behaviour change theories to promote physical activity
Ways to support adults with learning disabilities to do more exercise
Increasing cervical screening uptake among people with learning disabilities
A pilot project used an assessment tool showing that people can be supported to make a decision
Improving annual health checks of people with learning disabilities
Understanding health and communication needs, working with carers and making adjustments are crucial