Clair Cairns writes -

Brodie Paterson (Senior researcher) and myself (Clair Cairns - Research Assistant) work at the University of Stirling and have been commissioned to carry out a Service Development Project in relation to the Health Needs of people with a Learning Disability.  The project will be focused at a Local Level – the Forth Valley Area in Central Scotland. 

The project was commissioned by the NHS Health Board in Scotland and the three Councils within this area, and its intention is to develop services for individuals with a Learning Disability to successfully meet their Health Needs.  Five groups will be focused on more specifically within the project:  Profound and Multiple Disabilities, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Old Age, Mental Health and Challenging Behaviour.  However, all forms of Learning Disability will be involved in epidemiological work, which is also being carried out.  In addition, Children will be included in the epidemiological work, but only adults will be involved in the interview process. 

We are intending to use General Health Measures, Health Needs Assessments which are more specific to the individuals diagnosis, Functional Capacity Measures and Satisfaction measures, as well as, semi-structured interviews to try and discover exactly what is needed by these individuals in terms of Health, whether these needs are being met and what are their options at this moment in time. 

We are looking for specific Health Measures or tools available for all of the above diagnosis, which people are aware of that have been used in the past, or if there are currently other measures available or in use at present.  Health Measures for Profound and Multiple Disabilities and Old Age are particularly crucial. 

Any information or response to the above would be very much appreciated. 

Contact Clair Cairns

E-Mail: c.a.cairns@stir.ac.uk