Learning Disabled Adults

Details

Title

Learning Disabled Adults

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS245

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge and perform a specialist assessment and treatment of hearing loss in learning disabled adults demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient focused service and in particular will be able to carry out appropriate hearing assessment, investigation, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with a learning disability.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge required with respect to: 

• the audiovestibular problems that may be associated with learning disability and the specific effects that such problems may have.
• the other disabilities that may be present such as visual, speech and communication problems.
• how acquired audiovestibular problems may present in learning disabled adults.
• the rehabilitative approaches available for such patients and how to implement them.
• issues concerning ‘consent’ in these patients.
• the wider services available for and required by adults with learning difficulties.
• safeguarding of vulnerable adults

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance and mastery of a range of technical skills whilst critically reflecting and applying in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with learning disabled adults and their families and carers and other healthcare professionals and will:

• take a relevant history and perform a focused examination as appropriate in the role of Consultant Clinical Scientist.
• select appropriate audiovestibular tests, carry them out and interpret results accurately.
• select other appropriate investigations and act on results appropriately
• manage the patient’s audiological or neuro-otological problems appropriately and effectively within the multi-disciplinary team.
• communicate the diagnosis, results of investigations and management plan effectively to the patient, their family and their carers.
• use appropriate hearing testing procedures.
• provide appropriate hearing aid and other devices according to the needs of the individual.
• liaise effectively with other professionals involved including social workers, speech and language therapists, nursing staff and carers.
• refer for appropriate additional care as required.
• reflect on the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to these areas of practice and suggest improvements, building on a critique of available evidence.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations demonstrating the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• use sympathetic and positive listening skills with regards to the problems and fears of the patient.
• respect the patient’s right to contribute to their management.
• respect issues of confidentiality and informed consent.
• be committed to and support continuous improvement of therapeutic services, with particular reference to auditing practice, evidence based practice, innovative, new and improved technologies.