Dealing With A Patient With Learning Difficulties
Patients with learning difficulties use the healthcare system more than the general population. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals have little experience with these patients. However, understanding common illness patterns and using different techniques in communication can result
in a successful consultation.
Patients with learning difficulties often have complex health needs. There are many barriers to assessing health care, which may lead to later presentations of illness. Patients may have a high
tolerance of pain — (importnat to remember when examining them.)
Associated health problems
Patients with learning difficulties have a higher incidence of certain problems:
• Visual and hearing impairment.
• Poor dental health.
• Swallowing problems.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
• Constipation.
• Urinary tract and other infections.
• Epilepsy.
• Mental health problems ( incidence of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, delirium, and
