Clinical Research Directory

Learning Differences in Medical Education

Sponsor: University of Nottingham

Summary

A learning difference or disability is a reduction in intellectual ability (GMC, 2024). It causes lifelong difficulty with everyday activities. Different individuals require different levels of support. Individuals with learning disability may also have learning difficulties and mental health problems, but they do not always co-exist. Learning difficulties affect the way someone processes information. They are not related to intelligence but can affect learning and education. People with learning differences can experience higher rates of mental and physical ill-health. Their life expectancy is shorter than the average for the population. This is related to access and experience of health care. These patients may experience discrimination affecting their healthcare Discrimination arises from staff and organisational attitudes towards patient and judgements about their quality of life. They are also at risk of diagnostic overshadowing where a patient's symptoms are attributed to their disability rather than a disease. Many people with learning disabilities may find it harder to use healthcare services, and we want to find out what challenges they face. For example, do they have trouble understanding what is being said to them? Are there issues with getting an appointment or understanding the information about their health? This project focuses on understanding the experiences of people with learning disabilities when they use health services. How easily do they communicate with their clinician? Are there barriers in accessing care? Do they feel respected and listened to during their appointments? How should healthcare staff be trained to provide better care to these patients. We will be speaking directly to patients with learning disabilities in Derbyshire. This will be by interviews encouraging them to share their thoughts and experiences. The information we gather will help us understand their experiences of healthcare and how this could be improved. We will also undertake an anonymised survey of medical students on their perceived learning needs regarding individuals with learning differences. This information will be used to develop educational resources for clinical teachers. medical students and staff. Working with patients will better prepare future doctors to provide holistic care for patients with learning

Official title: What Are the Patient and Medical Student Perspectives on the Learning Needs and Expectations of Training of Future Doctors in Healthcare for Individuals With Learning Differences?

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