Seeing the Unseen – Intellectual Disability in Primary Care: How to Recognize, Report, and Respond
Andrea POPPELIER, Frédérique CHAIGNAUD, Pauline VILLIERS-MORIAMÉ, Samantha CONSTANTIN, Aline PARIS, Natacha COUTARD and Guillaume RENARD
People with intellectual disability (ID), defined by limitations in cognitive and adaptive functioning, constitute a substantial subpopulation (1–3%). Their medical problems often differ from the general population, may present atypically, and frequently have a different onset or course. These factors contribute to major health disparities and a higher risk of premature mortality, up to 15 years earlier than people without ID. In many countries, general practitioners (GPs) are responsible for primary care for this group, while they often struggle providing adequate care to this complex patient group. This workshop aims to increase awareness and offer practical guidance to improve equity and quality of care for people with ID.In this session, participants will: – understand key challenges in accurately recognising and documenting ID; – gain insight into how people with ID experience GP care and how their disability is taken into account; – recognise important differences in medical problems and symptom presentation between patients with and without ID; – be able to apply practical strategies to better tailor their care.The session will be structured according to four main themes: – Recognising and reporting ID in medical records – Experiences of patients with ID in GP care – Common health problems and atypical symptom presentation – Opportunities to tailor and adapt primary care Each topic will first be introduced by a brief presentation (5 min) covering the context and research. Then two short poll questions (2 min) will be asked to stimulate reflection from participants’ own clinical perspectives, followed by a group discission (7 min). Key insights will be summarised in an overall session wrap-up (4 min).Participants will: – Recognise challenges in identifying and documenting ID; – Understand key differences in health needs and patient experiences; – Learn and co-create practical strategies to better address specific health needs.People with ID are a distinct and often underserved group in primary care. This workshop equips GPs with knowledge and practical approaches to reduce disparities and provide more equitable, tailored care to their patients with ID.
