Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
The key components of a health check for adults with learning disabilities in primary care include:
- Mental health review: Assess any known or suspected mental health problems and their possible links to physical health issues.
- Physical health review: Evaluate for conditions and impairments common in people with learning disabilities, including monitoring for age-related conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, hearing and sight problems, incontinence, osteoporosis, malnutrition, menopausal symptoms, mental health including depression, and thyroid problems.
- Medication review: Review all current interventions, including medication side effects, adverse events, interactions, and adherence.
- Care planning: Develop an agreed and shared care plan for managing any physical health problems, including pain management.
- Involvement of carers or family: Involve a family member, carer, or healthcare/social care professional who knows the person well in the health check process.
- Reasonable adjustments and communication: Record the person’s learning disability and any reasonable adjustments needed in their health records and ensure accessible communication.
- Dental health: Ask about dental registration and frequency of dental visits, and check understanding of oral health importance.
- Information and support: Provide clear, accessible information about keeping well and available services, including care and support assessments under the Care Act 2014 if not already done.
These components are typically delivered using NHS England's learning disability annual health check electronic clinical template and may require additional time to complete effectively.