Quality standard

Quality statement 1: Annual health check

Quality statement 1: Annual health check

Quality statement

Young people and adults with a learning disability have an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems.

Rationale

Annual health checks for young people and adults with a learning disability can be used to identify and monitor mental health problems. Young people and adults with a learning disability and mental health needs may have difficulty explaining their health problems, so checking for issues and regularly monitoring needs is important to ensure that these are not missed.

Quality measures

The following measures can be used to assess the quality of care or service provision specified in the statement. They are examples of how the statement can be measured, and can be adapted and used flexibly.

Structure

Evidence of local arrangements to ensure that young people and adults with a learning disability have an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems.

Data source: Local data collection.

Process

a) Proportion of young people with a learning disability who have an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems.

Numerator – the number in the denominator who have had an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems.

Denominator – the number of young people with a learning disability.

Data source: Local data collection.

b) Proportion of adults with a learning disability who have an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems.

Numerator – the number in the denominator who have had an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems.

Denominator – the number of adults with a learning disability.

Data source: Local data collection.

Outcome

a) Identification of mental health needs in young people and adults with a learning disability.

Data source: Local data collection.

b) Identification of physical health needs in young people and adults with a learning disability.

Data source: Local data collection.

What the quality statement means for different audiences

Service providers (enhanced GP services) ensure that young people and adults with a learning disability have an annual health check that includes a review of mental health problems, and that a family member, carer or care worker is involved (as appropriate).

Healthcare professionals (such as GPs) conduct annual health checks that include reviews of mental health problems for young people and adults with a learning disability, and involve a family member, carer or care worker (as appropriate).

Commissioners ensure that general practices are signed up to provide annual health checks that prioritise a review of physical and mental health, for young people and adults with a learning disability.

Young people and adults with a learning disability have an annual health check that includes a review of their mental and physical health. This includes:

  • identifying potential new problems

  • looking at all the treatments they are having, to see if they are having any difficulties (for example with going to therapy sessions)

  • reviewing the medications they are taking to see if they have had side effects, any difficulties taking medication or any other problems

  • agreeing a care plan with the healthcare professional for managing any physical health and mental health problems.

If they want, the person may take a family member or carer with them.

Definitions of terms used in this quality statement

Annual health check

This should involve the person with a learning disability and a family member, carer, care worker, GP or social care practitioner (as appropriate) who knows them. It should include:

  • a review of any known or suspected mental health problems and how they may be linked to any physical health problems

  • a physical health review, including assessment for the conditions and impairments that are common in people with a learning disability

  • a review of all current interventions, including medication and related side effects, adverse events, interactions and adherence for both mental health and physical health conditions

  • an agreed and shared care plan for managing any physical health and mental health problems (including pain).

[Adapted from NICE's guideline on mental health problems in people with learning disabilities, recommendation 1.6.3, and NICE's guideline on challenging behaviour and learning disabilities, recommendation 1.2.1]

Equality and diversity considerations

Healthcare professionals should take into account the communication needs of people with a learning disability. They should make reasonable adjustments and provide support if needed for people who have limited or no speech, who have difficulty with English, or who have other communication needs.

Communication with the person and their family members, carers or care workers (as appropriate) needs to be in a clear format and in a language suited to the person's needs and preferences.