Improving access to bowel cancer screening for individuals with learning disabilities and autism

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Newham undertook a focus group on 29 January 2025 with people with learning disabilities and autism to understand g how individuals with LD experience barriers in healthcare, especially related to bowel cancer screening and overall medical support.

The focus group highlighted significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly bowel cancer screening, for individuals with learning disabilities. Key issues included poor communication between healthcare providers, inaccessible screening kits, and a general lack of awareness surrounding bowel cancer.

The report includes recommendations about staff training, redesigned collection kits, public education, empowering carers and better integration of services.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Newham
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Health inequality
Integration of services and communication between professionals
Prevention of diseases, including vaccination, screening and public hygiene
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Focus group
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
General Practice (GP)
Screening services and testing

Details of people who shared their views

Types of disabilities
Learning disability or difficulties
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