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Making reasonable adjustments to cancer services for people with learning disabilities

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
reasonable adjustments cancer care

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People with learning disabilities do not access or engage with proactive cancer screening in line with those without learning disabilities. As a result, they often experience delays in diagnosis and treatment for cancer, leading to suboptimal health outcomes and, in some cases, premature mortality. This article explores how the legal requirement for public bodies to make reasonable adjustments to ensure people with learning disabilities can use their services can have a positive effect on patient outcomes and experience. In cancer services this applies across the patient pathway, from access to screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge. The authors use case studies to illustrate how reasonable adjustments can be made for individuals with learning disabilities in accessing cancer care. They also provide readers with the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and explain how to make small, achievable reasonable adjustments in their clinical areas.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to recognise the legal requirement to provide equal access to cancer services for people with learning disabilities by making reasonable adjustments

to identify approaches that can ensure people with learning disabilities who require cancer services receive equitable and timely care

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Sandra George

Primary care learning disability liaison nurse - learning disability service, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Exeter, England

Rachel Salloway

Primary care learning disability liaison nurse - learning disability service, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Exeter, England

Katy Welsh

Professional lead nurse - learning disability service, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Exeter, England

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

: 18 Mar 2025.
 https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e1806-Making-reasonable-adjustments-to-cancer-servi.
Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023