A review of the literature: interventions to maximize capacity to consent and reduce anxiety of women with learning disabilities preparing for a cervical smear test.
Due to the complex nature of the cervical screening for women with learning disabilities, this literature review has several different strands. The aim of which is to give a general overview of the literature available about women with learning disabilities and cervical screening. Discussing key issues in relation to uptake, access and risk factors associated with cervical screening. The role of the learning disability nurse in supporting access to cervical screening services within primary care will be explored. The notion that anxiety and a woman's capacity to consent impacts on her accessing cervical screening services and ultimately undergoing a cervical smear test, will be examined. Relaxation techniques with regard to ascertaining which techniques are more effective when used with individuals with a learning disability will also be discussed.
Community Team for Adults with Learning Difficulties, SALD Office, Princess of Wales Hospital, Lynn Rd, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 1DN, UK.
Sallyanne
S
Broughton
D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D009042:Motivation; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D006113:United Kingdom; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology*