Include reasonable adjustments in all systems that enable and support the delivery of comprehensive care
Organisations should develop processes to ensure that the person receives care in the setting that best meets their needs. Clinicians have an important role in proactively explaining a person’s communication or accessibility needs as part of a referral, to reduce the burden on the person, families and supporters to re-explain their needs to each subsequent clinician.
People with intellectual disability often need assistance to manage the unfamiliar environment when entering a healthcare organisation, as they may not realise what is expected of them. For example, they may not know that there is a call button, understand the purpose of a ward round, know that different clinicians may be coming to see them at their bedside, or understand that they may be transferred to another part of the hospital for different procedures and processes.
With information and guidance, a person with intellectual disability can be assisted to understand their environment and manage independently or with minimal aid. Where possible, maximise staff continuity to provide people with familiarity, safety and reasonable adjustments, and to ensure clinicians retain knowledge of the person’s reasonable adjustments.
When considering patient flow and placing a person in the right bed, it is important to ensure that the workforce is aware of the person’s disability support needs so they can provide a person-centred approach.
Multidisciplinary teams should work collaboratively to identify strategies that support appropriate risk screening, goal identification and any additional needs for care coordination.
