A new research agenda: improving health care in general hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
To set out the research required to improve the health of people with learning disabilities in general hospital settings. The objectives are: (i) to share service developments in a mapping exercise to provide a picture of current work in this area, and (ii) to identify practice issues and experiences that can contribute to a broader research agenda.


BACKGROUND
It is recognized that people with learning disabilities are high users of all healthcare systems and have different pattern of health needs that often go unidentified, with some requiring general hospital care. The research evidence base in this area of practice needs to be developed to promote and improve health care.


METHODS
A facilitated focus group design was employed at a conference event to identify areas for research in the future and determined that action is required on four broad research fronts.


RESULTS
Research is required to establish core principles of care, service developments, practical care measures and influencing change in practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Research collaborations need to be established to support activity in this area and requires action in the future.


CONCLUSIONS
The evidence base and understanding of the high and differing pattern of health needs of people with learning disabilities continues to evolve and develop, with considerable scope to identify new areas for research. A conference approach was used to identify research questions to improve the care of this group in general hospital settings and offers a model that may be helpful in defining new areas of enquiry in the future.
Brown
Michael
M
School of Community Health, Napier University, and Consultant Nurse - Learning Disabilities, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. m.brown@napier.ac.uk
MacArthur
Juliet
J
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D018570:Risk Assessment