Care and support of people growing older with learning disabilities

Outcomes

Of all people having injectable anti-obesity medications, none have been lost to follow up. Of this, 17% had neurodiversity, complex needs and a genetic cause of obesity.

Learning disability: 12.5%.

Autism: 12.5%.

Dyslexia or illiteracy: 14%.

Complex PTSD and mental health problems: 18%.

Genetic cause of obesity (excluding people with genetic cause and neurodiversity): 18%.

Sensory deficit: 5%.

In 7 months, approximately 900 prescriptions were reviewed and issued. This equated to 8 weeks of a consultant's time based on a capacity of 24 hours a week.

Regarding genetic testing, out of the 58 samples sent, over 40 variants were detected. Setmelanotide was not eligible for these patients as the variants detected were not currently included in NICE's recommendations, but 9% were eligible for clinical trials with setmelanotide.

Learning

By establishing a dedicated clinical service, including a specialist weight management nurse, the service was able to respond to local need, establish clinical pathways for monitoring people on weight loss medications and reduce health inequalities in people with complex needs. As a result, they are set up to implement tirzepatide and future anti-obesity medications, despite previous concerns.

To continue delivering high-quality care, the service relies heavily on administrative support. Without this, they would struggle to provide the necessary care, particularly for people with complex needs.

They also established a system for genetic testing, allowing them to help expand scientific knowledge for future obesity treatments.