End of life care for people with a learning disability.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experiences of learning disability and district nurses caring for people with a learning disability at the end of their lives.


METHODS
A small-scale semi-structured qualitative study involving interviews was carried out to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals from two specialist healthcare settings.


RESULTS
Healthcare professionals felt that formal guidelines and support were needed in this complex area. The study also revealed that successful provision of palliative care for people with a learning disability requires a person-centred approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Modifications to existing palliative care services, involving joint working, improved co-ordination and reasonable adjustments, is recommended. This aims to address any inequalities in care provision for people with a learning disability who are at the end of their lives.
Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford. sandra.mortonnance@meht.nhs.uk
Sandra
S
Morton-Nance
Tim
T
Schafer
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003144:Communication Barriers; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000451:nursing; D033262:Narration; D010166:Palliative Care; D013727:Terminal Care; D006113:United Kingdom