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Map of Medicine supports NHS bid to commission learning disabilities services more cost-effectively
Both the diagnosis and management stages of learning disabilities can be problematic. The first is often complicated by overlapping conditions, and the latter by issues around transition care and ongoing management of an ageing population. Map of Medicine’s recently updated ‘Learning disabilities’ care map illustrates best practice at both stages, centred on evidence-based guidelines, recent policy information, and multidisciplinary expert input. These high-quality references include guidance from the following sources:
- Department for Children, Schools and Families
- Department of Health
- NHS
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Expert, practice-based contributions are from a multidisciplinary group including NHS London’s Head of Learning Disability Development, and Learning Disability and Safeguarding Lead, as well as a paediatrician, nurse leads, and commissioners.
The expert contributor group highlighted a lack of management at age 16-19 years and in adulthood, and the care map emphasises the importance of transition. This includes preparing children for transition from the age of 12-14 years, which may encourage an improved bridging service to be implemented in current practice.
The spectrum of services supporting children with learning disabilities includes clinical, social, voluntary, and physiotherapy services, so connecting these areas and ensuring appropriate referral is essential for consistency of care. It can also aid productivity: a recent eGov Monitor report noted that £228 million worth of savings could be released through improved commissioning for learning disabilities.
To emphasise the importance of considering associated conditions, the care map provides links to related care maps, such as ‘Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)’, ‘Autism spectrum disorder’, ‘Cerebral palsy’, and ‘Epilepsy in children and adolescents’. The aim is to enable prompt and accurate diagnosis, helping direct GPs, specialists and patients to the appropriate services.
The care map illustrates a practical flow of care, bringing together the ideal and the reality, and drawing attention to ways of improving existing gaps in management.