This paper describes a three‐phase study to investigate the experience and management of menstruation for women with learning disabilities. It focuses on the findings of the…
Abstract
This paper describes a three‐phase study to investigate the experience and management of menstruation for women with learning disabilities. It focuses on the findings of the second phase of the study, which looked at the experiences of carers and health professionals. It describes the difficult issues that can arise when providing assistance around menstruation. The findings are discussed in relation to ideologies and sensitivities that exist around gender, sexuality and menstruation.
Jackie Rodgers and Ruth Townsley
Organisations need to think about how to share information with people with learning difficulties. This paper draws on findings from a recent research project to inform the…
Abstract
Organisations need to think about how to share information with people with learning difficulties. This paper draws on findings from a recent research project to inform the commissioning of easier information. Its aim is to promote more effective information provision and the best possible value for money.
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Ruth Townsley, Jackie Rodgers and Liz Folkes
The Information for All Project, based at the Norah Fry Research Centre, is investigating the current evidence on accessible information. As well as conducting a systematic review…
Abstract
The Information for All Project, based at the Norah Fry Research Centre, is investigating the current evidence on accessible information. As well as conducting a systematic review of the research literature, we have interviewed information providers (including service user‐led groups) about their practical experience of making information easier to understand. Data analysis is ongoing, and this article summarises the main emerging themes. Key messages include the importance of defining the target audience and their information needs and involving this audience through direct consultation and evaluation. It is essential that information that is made easier to understand is also made easier to access, and that careful attention is given to how the information will reach the end user.
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Pauline Heslop, Liz Folkes and Jackie Rodgers
Psychotropic medications are a treatment commonly used for people with learning disabilities. Legislation and guidance suggest that, for a person to give informed consent to…
Abstract
Psychotropic medications are a treatment commonly used for people with learning disabilities. Legislation and guidance suggest that, for a person to give informed consent to treatment, they must have knowledge of the potential treatment. This study of 21 people with learning disabilities, and their carers and prescribers, living in four different regions of England, suggests that few of the people with learning disabilities were fully informed about their treatment. Many of their carers said that although they knew how to administer the medication, they knew little about why the person was taking it and what the implications might be. Despite this, people with learning disabilities made the general assumption that carers would, or should, know everything about their medication. The current provision of information to people with learning disabilities and carers was found to be poor. Four key strategies identified in supporting people with learning disabilities in obtaining information about medication were spending more time providing and reiterating key information, providing accurate, up‐to‐date, accessible information about medications, providing training for carers in wider aspects of medication usage, and tailoring information to each person's individual needs.