How to support adherence to medicines among people with learning disabilities
A strategy is needed that includes education, reasonable adjustments and medication reviews
30 Jan 2024
Lynne Marsh
How to diagnose constipation in people with learning disabilities
Diagnosis can be complicated by behaviours of concern in this patient group
21 Dec 2023
How to give an intramuscular injection to an adult with an intellectual disability
This article aims to enhance intellectual disability nurses’ knowledge of this procedure
13 Aug 2021
Open access
Social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in seven European countries
The need for educational collaborations involving academics, students and practitioners
10 Dec 2020
Insertion and care of nasogastric tubes in adults with intellectual disabilities
Many adults with intellectual disabilities require nutritional support as feeding problems are prevalent in this population. While many types of nutritional support are available, enteral feeding tubes, such as nasogastric (NG) tubes, are considered safe and effective. NG tube feeding is a common clinical procedure carried out to maintain patients’ nutritional needs when they have swallowing difficulties or cannot tolerate oral feeding. Insertion of an NG tube provides adequate nutrition and improves positive health outcomes and quality of life, but being fed through an NG tube may alter patients’ perceptions of feeding and mealtimes. Healthcare professionals, including intellectual disability nurses, should not underestimate the social aspect of mealtimes or the physical and psychological effects of NG tube feeding in patients with intellectual disabilities. Demonstrating competence and compassion with regard to insertion and care of an NG tube and applying best practice to ensure patient safety and well-being are critical to supporting patients with intellectual disabilities.
12 Mar 2019
Book review: Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism
Lynne Marsh reviews a book arguing that vaccines save lives and do not cause autism
11 Mar 2019
Syndromes: Prader-Willi syndrome
A series about conditions with common symptoms that constitute syndromes A series about conditions with common symptoms that constitute syndromes
29 Oct 2018
Syndromes: Down’s syndrome
Second in a series about conditions with common symptoms that constitute syndromes
03 May 2018
Management of dysphagia
Dysphagia is a disorder of swallowing. The authors stress the importance of a comprehensive assessment leading to effective management and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team. People with the disorder depend on nurses and caregivers for adequate food and drink, so it is imperative that all involved are trained to recognise and manage the condition and to collaborate effectively. The signs and symptoms that staff and carers should look for are discussed and possible interventions suggested to enable more enjoyable mealtimes for everyone involved. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the impact that dysphagia can have on a person’s life and how adherence to strategies can improve quality of life.
07 Nov 2011
Meeting the challenge of caring for an ageing population in Ireland
The age profile of Irish people with a learning disability has changed significantly prompting a call for the development of the role of the gerontological clinical nurse specialist. The authors argue the role would bring much-needed expertise to support families and carers and to advocate for individuals accessing healthcare services.
08 Dec 2010
Management of constipation
Constipation is more common among people with intellectual disability compared with the general population. Causation falls into the three main categories related to lifestyle changes, physiological conditions and medication. If recognised early, constipation is easily managed, usually without having to resort to laxatives.
06 May 2010
Health needs in people with learning disabilities: using the ‘OK’ Health Check
A growing body of evidence suggests that people with intellectual disabilities are experiencing significant health inequalities when compared with their peers in the general population (Cassidy et al 2002, Kerr 2004, Melville et al 2006). Furthermore, Martin et al (2004), Martin (2005) and Jenkins and Davies (2006) identify that people with learning disabilities are two-and-a-half times more likely to have common health problems than their non-disabled peers. Indeed, higher incidences of cardiac disorders (Lunsky et al 2003), diabetes (Lennox et al 2006), mental health problems (Strydom et al 2005), hearing and visual impairments (Bosch 2003), obesity (Marshall et al 2003) and skin disorders (Allan 1999) have all been documented in this population group.
01 May 2008