Health Education England (HEE) commissioned the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to undertake the development of a training programme to meet the medical needs of adults with a learning disability. The training programme consists of two modules and applicants are expected to complete both modules which will result in a post graduate certificate. The second module is under development but will be available in the autumn of 2023. Funded places for both modules are available.
The training programme is designed for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working at a senior level and caring for people with a learning disability within their role. It will enhance their skillset and to address a number of cross cutting themes. This is key to enable practitioners to provide high quality and person-centred care for adults with a learning disability. The training programme has been developed and will be delivered with the input of experts by experience. The first module has been developed by RCP and Edge Hill University.
The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Programme (LeDeR) reported on the preventable inequalities in health experienced by people with a learning disability who die on average 15-20 years sooner than people without a learning disability. The medical module will enable practitioners to critically appraise and synthesise information that will support the implementation of evidence based best practice to treat and support individuals and promote quality of care. This will support and address a number of recommendations. The LeDeR programme highlighted the need to:
- develop the concept of learning disability physicians
- reduce specific risks from aspiration pneumonia and therefore understanding of dysphagia, specifically diagnosis, assessment and treatment
- improve multi-disciplinary care coordination
- adapt early warning system (EWS) for people with learning disability including soft signs and response to known baseline assessments
- improve safety of people with epilepsy
- improve the diagnosis and management of chronic constipation - including managing its underlying causes.
Who is this for?
The modules have been designed for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working at a senior level and caring for people with a learning disability within their role. The training will add to their skillset and address a number of cross-cutting themes that will enable practitioners to provide high quality, person-centred care for adults with a learning disability.
Successful completion of the modules aims to enable learners to champion good care and provide clinical leadership in their workplace setting(s); for example, enabling practitioners to work in a ‘Learning Disability Physician/Practitioner Role.’
There are fully funded places available for two modules and completion of these will lead to a full Postgraduate Certificate. The second module is being developed and will be delivered in 2023.
Funded places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and to aid in ensuring a geographical spread of learners. We will review each application and confirm whether an applicant has been successful in gaining a funded place as soon as possible and a minimum of two weeks before the course starts. Please note, the Edge Hill application form includes a section on fee payment arrangements. As funded places will be confirmed following application, you should leave the funding code field blank.
Register your interest for the next cohort in February 2024 on the form below.
For more information on the course content and other details visit this page or email credential@rcp.ac.uk.