COMMUNICATION HELP FOR OUTPATIENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITY

Monica FreemanChief PhysiologistDept of Clinical NeurophysiologyDorset County Hospital

WHAT IS THIS?

A short form to send with OP appointment letter to patients with LD

Patient-centred, suitable for adults and children

Easy to complete Brought to the OP appointment Kept with the test paperwork or put in notes

WHY IS THIS FORM USEFUL?

At-a-glance information to help understand the patient quickly

Everyone with learning disability is different

Suitable for any department

Helps patient and carers feel “listened to”

WHAT IS THE OUTCOME?

Improved OP patient experience for people with learning disability

Best possible test results are achieved

Consistent approach to each individual

Reduced stress of hospital visits

OTHER SOURCES OF WRITTEN INFORMATION

Access to notesPAS alertsRequest form or referral letterYellow Book

WHAT ARE WE DOING ALREADY?

Allowing extra time for appointment Extra staff to help Pre-planning and telephoning patients Adapting test environment This is Me form

THIS ISN’T A SUBSTITUTE FOR.................

Pre-appointment planning Telephone conversations The interpersonal skills and experience we all

have already

The person who helped me with this form is:

Relationship to patient:

Today’s date is:

Monica Freeman October 2012

ANY QUESTIONS? Would you use this form?

Could it be useful in your department?

Any other feedback and questions

Thank you for listening Monica Freeman

Chief PhysiologistDept of Clinical Neurophysiology

Dorset County Hospital