Posted 04 December 2023 - 12:12
Posted 04 December 2023 - 12:12
News
Avoidable deaths linked to shortage of learning disability nurses
Report cites lack of understanding of patients’ requirements among staff in acute hospitals and shortage of learning disability liaison nurses in secondary care
Report cites lack of understanding of patients’ requirements among staff in acute hospitals and shortage of learning disability liaison nurses in secondary care
A lack of understanding around learning disabilities and autism in acute care is affecting patients and contributing to avoidable deaths, prompting calls for consistent learning disability nursing provision across the NHS.
The annual Learning Disability Mortality Review (LeDeR) found that the proportion of avoidable deaths in England for this group remains well above the figure for the wider population.
Additionally, there was sometimes poor knowledge and skills for health monitoring among social care staff, particularly in recognising signs of potentially serious illnesses and clinical deterioration, including sepsis.
RCN professional lead in learning disabilities nursing Jonathan Beebee said: ‘The inconsistency of learning disability liaison provision in acute care is letting people down. There is not 100% availability across the country and where they have learning disability liaison nurses there is inconsistency in operating hours, banding, levels of practice and how many people perform this service.
Deaths of people with a learning disability or autism remain ‘significantly higher’ than for general population
‘We need a clear workforce plan for all learning disability nurses across health and social care to promote and prioritise where our skills are needed.’
The report analysed data from every recorded death of a person with a learning disability or autism. It found 853 (42%) of the 2,054 recorded deaths of adults with a learning disability were classified as avoidable.
This was down from 50% in 2021 but remains ‘significantly higher’ than the percentage for the general population across the UK, which was 22.8% in 2020 – the latest data available.
Areas of concern raised in the report
- A shortage of learning disability liaison nurses in secondary care
- A lack of understanding of learning disabilities and requirements of patients among staff working in acute hospitals
- Lack of reasonable adjustments for patients
- Inadequate equipment to cater for people with additional needs in primary and community care settings
- Issues related to do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR), including decisions being made without consultation with family or key professionals
Work to develop Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag seen as crucial
The report says: ‘In hospital inpatient care, a lack of reasonable adjustments was highlighted including fixed visiting times that prevented families or carers from staying with the person. Some reviewers mentioned that specific supports, such as involvement of an advocate or a learning disability nurse, were not utilised during the admission.’
An NHS spokesperson said the report was a reminder of the work needed to improve healthcare for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
They said: ‘That is why our work to develop a Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag is so crucial, as it means health and social care staff can record, share and view details of a patient’s disability needs and make necessary adjustments to care, which has huge potential for improving health outcomes and potentially saving lives.’
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