The Abuse of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Health Services: How Can it be Prevented?

Description

Conference presentation at 2012 International Conference on Health, Wellness and Society at the University Center, Chicago, USA from 10-11 March 2012.

In the last 30 years, managed health and social care services for people with intellectual disabilities in Scotland have acknowledged the higher prevalence of abuse and neglect of adults with learning disabilities. This is a serious threat to the health and wellness of people with disabilities. A recent national report concluded that abuse was mainly due to "lack of awareness, lack of specialist knowledge, lack of training and lack of insight" (Healthcare Commission 2007). This workshop presentation will give an overview of legislative, staff training and practice-based measures that have been taken to detect and to minimise this abuse in health services and elsewhere. Real life examples will be used to illustrate how abuse occurs and how it is responded to by staff in health services. For example, “Excessive, illegal physical restraint plus the overuse of medication.” “One patient spent 16 hours a day tied to a bed or wheelchair for what staff believed was for that person’s protection.” (2009 National Health Service Inquiry) Evidence-based research will be used presented to highlight cross-disciplinary approaches to best practice in this area. Definitions of the nature of harm and issues of definition will also be explored. The workshop part of this presentation will be done in small groups, to share individual professional expertise and experience. Keywords: Health and Wellness, Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Abuse, Health Services Stream: Public Health Presentation Type: 60 minute Workshop Presentation in English

Period	10 Mar 2012
Event title	2012 International Conference on Health
Event type	Conference
Location	Chicago, United KingdomShow on map