A Pilot of Interventions to Improve Health Care in Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

In: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities: JARID, Band 21, Heft 5, S. 484-489

Abstract

Background  People with intellectual disability often have poor health which may be improved through better health advocacy and enhanced communication with their general practitioner. To this end, we examined the use of the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) and the Ask health diary previously developed for adults with intellectual disability and trialled their use in adolescents attending a Special School.Materials and methods  A CHAP health review completed by both carers and General Practitioners was used to collect information about adolescents' health. An Ask health diary was used in school to learn health advocacy and communication skills. Thirty students, their parents and their eight teachers participated in the trial.Results  The CHAP health review resulted in a mean of 5.2 health conditions being found, and 1.4 planned actions by the general practitioner per adolescent. The Ask health diary was highly accepted by the students and teachers. There did not appear to be any increase in communication skills of the students after using the diary in the school for one term.Conclusion  The CHAP health review and Ask health diary have the potential to improve the health of adolescents with intellectual disability.