Investigating the experiences of people with learning disabilities in accident & emergency from a carer perspective

Piper, Elizabeth

Abstract

Primary and secondary health services have a duty to provide for the health needs of people with learning disabilities. Previously this group of the population may have experienced segregated and/or a lack of adequate health services. However a combination of legislation, Government policies and guidelines and improved advocacy has placed pressure on primary and secondary healthcare to provide more equitable services. Much of the research already undertaken has focused on primary care or planned admissions within mainstream hospital. The following research sought to investigate emergency healthcare - as delivered via Accident & Emergency - from the perspective of the carers of people with learning disabilities. The work was undertaken in two separate A&E departments. An Interpretative Phenomenological Approach was used to analyse interviews undertaken with carers. Some of the findings which emerged were in keeping with past literature. However some differed from that previously reported - major concerns were not raised by carers about consent or staff attitudes, although the relationship staff had with both service users and carers was considered to be fundamental to a high quality service. The themes identified included Interactions that are valuing, Emotional responsiveness, Support, Compliance and Responsibilities. Given accounts in previous literature, most participants were surprisingly positive about their experiences.

Citation

Piper, E. (2008). Investigating the experiences of people with learning disabilities in accident & emergency from a carer perspective. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4212860

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 21, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2023
• Keywords: Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4212860
• Additional Information: Postgraduate Medical School, The University of Hull
• Award Date: May 1, 2008