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Health gain through health checks: improving access to primary health care for people with intellectual disability
Author(s) -
Martin D. M.,
Roy A.,
Wells M. B.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2788.1997.tb00727.x
Subject(s) - intellectual disability , primary care , primary health care , health care , psychology , gerontology , medicine , psychiatry , family medicine , environmental health , political science , population , law
People with intellectual disability were identified through the local register and through liaison with general practitioners (GPs). A consultation exercise was conducted with users and carers to ascertain their experiences and perspectives of primary health care (GP services). A comprehensive health check was devised and administered to about 120 people to detect physical disorders, especially cardiovascular risk factors. A standardized checklist was used to determine the population of people with psychological and psychiatric problems. Case notes were reviewed after nearly one year to determine physical and psychological health gain. Significant gains were noted with regard to physical disorders. In contrast, mental health problems were underreported and participants had achieved few gains on follow‐up. The reasons and implications for future service planning are discussed.