Medical needs of people with intellectual disability require regular reassessment, and the provision of client- and carer-held reports.
BACKGROUND
Previous work has indicated a wide range of unmet medical health needs in people with intellectual disability (ID).


METHODS
A profile of recorded medical needs was produced for 589 people with ID through a detailed search of individual medical and nursing case records. Specialist optometric and audiological assessments were offered, and reports were provided in technical and plain English terms. A Health Watch project delivered folders with copies of the plain English reports to 60 individuals and carers.


RESULTS
The case record review indicated a wide range of medical disorders; however, exact diagnoses and counselling regarding underlying neurological conditions were seldom recorded. Assessed levels of hearing and vision loss were much greater than had been previously recognized. The Health Watch reports were welcomed by the clients and carers.


CONCLUSIONS
If satisfactory healthcare is to be achieved for people with ID, medical needs must be monitored, regular specialist reassessments offered, access to specialist services facilitated and reports clearly explained to carers.
Kerr
A M
AM
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK. amk5m@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
McCulloch
D
D
Oliver
K
K
McLean
B
B
Coleman
E
E
Law
T
T
Beaton
P
P
Wallace
S
S
Newell
E
E
Eccles
T
T
Prescott
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011641:Public Relations; D012606:Scotland; D013997:Time Factors