Course Profile: Medical Perspectives of Learning Disabilities (1 Day)
This course explores the historical and contemporary concepts of Learning Disabilities from a medical perspective. Whilst considering the background factors to some disabilities and associated physical conditions, the course will examine how the role of the medical professions has influenced and contributed to the development of services for people with Learning Disabilities as well as highlighting medical support available.
The course is informed by a range of background material including the DSMIV and ‘Meeting the Health Needs of People with Learning Disabilities’ 2007 (RCN).
The course is informed by and provides some underpinning knowledge for
CIS: 1.3, 7.1
NHS KSF: HWB1.1
QCF: HSC025, LD201, LD208K, LD202, LD208C		 The course is designed for Health and Social Care workers in all Learning Disability contexts. The course would be particularly useful for those who have not previously worked in a health care setting.
The course will assist the organisation to deliver CQC Outcomes 1, 2, 4.
Learning outcomes

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• What ´causes’ Learning Disabilities. To include background factors e.g. gender, heredity etc.
• A classification of a range of Learning Disability syndromes
• The difference between a ‘Learning Disability’ and a ‘Mental Illness’
• The signs and symptoms of a range of defined Learning Disabilities e.g. Autism, etc
• The medical/physical difficulties and challenges that may exist within each syndrome
• How people in the past and experienced life in institutions including ’batch care’ and abuse
• The positive and negative aspects of institutional living
• What is meant by the ‘Medical’ model
• The different roles; Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Doctors, Nurses, OT’s, Physiotherapists etc
• What is meant by the ‘Social’ model
• The move away from the Medical model to the Social model
• Some terminology used in a medical context
• Why we no longer use the term ‘Mental Handicap’. Who decided this?
• The range of medical interventions that might support people with Learning Difficulties
• The range of other support required by people with Learning Difficulties
• How can we develop an integrated model based on the respect for the different roles and responsibilities in supporting people
• The potential consequences should we take a dogmatic view in our approach
• Additional information and resources
Training methods utilised include Tutor presentation, Word shower method, PowerPoint, Role Play, Group Work, Chalk & Talk, Questionnaires, Relaxation exercises, Questionnaires, Handouts