The circumstances and impact of injuries on adults with learning disabilities

Abstract

Introduction: People with learning disabilities experience higher rates of injury compared to the general population, but little is known about the circumstances and perceived impact of these injuries on people with learning disabilities themselves.Method: Content analysis was conducted from interviews with 113 adults with learning disabilities who had at least one injury in a 12-month period. Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten adults with learning disabilities (and their carers where appropriate) who had experienced serious or frequent injury or frequent falls with or without injury in a 12-month period.Findings: The most commonly reported contributory factors for injuries and/or falls were related to physical health status (for example, epilepsy) and the environment (for example, walking/banging into furniture or stairs/steps). In terms of perceived impact, the development of fear of walking outdoors unsupported or fear of crossing a road were highlighted. The non-use and misuse of assistive technology was also highlighted as a concern.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that occupational therapists have a key role to play in tailoring injury and fall prevention strategies and interventions for people with learning disabilities. In particular, environmental assessment and monitored use of assistive technology is important.

Promoting Exercise as Part of a Physiotherapy‐Led Falls Pathway Service for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Service Evaluation

“…Occupational therapists also have a key role to play in addressing home and community environment issues in injury and fall prevention for people with intellectual disabilities (Finlayson et al . ), and 18 (36%) of the clients with intellectual disabilities included in this evaluation have visual impairments. This multifactorial approach is in accordance with the most recent NICE guidelines (2013) for falls prevention, which recommend strength and balance training, environmental assessment and intervention, vision assessment and referral, and medication review (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) ).…”

Risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review

“…Cox, Clemson, Stancliffe, Durvasula, and Sherrington (2010) found incidence levels of falls involving people with intellectual disability at 34% across a 12month time span and with a mean of 7.21 per person. Finlayson et al (2014) found 22.5% of their sample (205 participants) falling more than once within a 12-month period. A 12.3% fall rate was found in comparison with 4.3% in the general population within the same study.…”

A cross‐case comparison of the trauma and orthopaedic hospital experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities using interpretative phenomenological analysis

“…Furthermore, people with intellectual disabilities sustain more injuries, falls and accidents than the general population (Finlayson, 2011; Finlayson et al., 2010; Finlayson et al., 2014). Fractures may occur from a low impact injury if a person has osteoporosis and this places people with intellectual disabilities at an increased risk of injury following a fall (Cox et al., 2010).…”