Learning Disability Annual Health Check Engagement

Healthwatch County Durham undertook a project during 2016-17 to understand the experiences of people with learning disabilities in accessing annual health checks and to identify any barriers to uptake. The work involved surveys, focus groups, engagement events, discussions with care providers and contact with GP practices, generating feedback from 100 people with learning disabilities and other stakeholders. 

The findings showed that 54% of respondents had received an annual health check, broadly in line with local NHS figures. Care providers reported that all residents in the care homes surveyed had received their health checks. However, many people who had not attended said they were unaware that annual health checks were available or had not been offered one by their GP practice. 

Some individuals also described personal barriers, including anxiety, fear of medical examinations and discomfort about attending GP surgeries. Examples of good practice identified included easy-read communications, home visits, flexible appointment arrangements, longer appointment times and personalised reminders such as handwritten birthday cards. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that greater awareness and more accessible communication could help increase uptake of annual health checks for people with learning disabilities. Recommendations included ensuring invitations are provided in easy-read formats, sharing good practice between GP surgeries, using peer groups to promote health checks and offering checks in alternative settings where surgery environments may be a barrier.