NHSGGC is committed to improving the experiences and health outcomes for patients with a learning disability (LD).
Our Acute Learning Disability and Autism Group leads this programme of activity and is working with local LD groups, patients, carers and families to improve hospital inpatient experiences.
This work includes a focus on –
- Improved admission process, including providing thorough background information/ hospital passport
- Reduced length of stay
- Reduced hospital complications
- Greater Carer involvement.
Autistic and Neurodivergent people experience some of the greatest inequalities in society
It is estimated that one in 100 people in Scotland are Autistic or Neurodivergent. There are many reasons why Autistic people may face barriers in accessing healthcare, including the following –
- Executive functioning differences such as working memory, decision making and time management can lead to professionals to perceive Autistic people as being unwilling to engage with services or not requiring them.
- Autistic people are very likely to experience the sensory world in a different way and healthcare environments have unusual smells, noises and lighting. These sensory differences may also be increased if the person is anxious or stressed.
- A lack of understanding and stigma felt by Autistic people when engaging with services can lead to attempts to mask autistic symptoms which can lead to poor patient experience.
Everyone’s experience of being autistic is different, so it’s vital that all our staff understand the importance of a person-centred approach. There are lots of different kinds of reasonable adjustments that can be put in place which could greatly improve patient experience.
Activities include –
- The introduction of an Autism Passport that can be shared between patients and staff. This will explain what should be considered when delivering care
- Supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent people to sense check services as part of our Disability Discrimination Audits
- The production of an Autism and Neurodivergence patient pathway app to provide easy access, useful information for staff.