Is there a case for community learning disability teams considering the spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities?

Abstract

Purpose

National guidance in Scotland says that spirituality is part of healthcare. This paper aims to review some of the evidence that this is a relevant but neglected topic across the lifespan for people with a learning disability (PLD) and their families, rarely addressed by healthcare professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The author visited local faith‐based groups for PLD and sought views from service managers, parents, faith‐based professionals and service users about their experience of fostering the spiritual lives of PLD. The author asked: whether this is a legitimate topic for healthcare professionals to enquire about during clinical contacts; what they knew about related training issues; and whether accessible information and communication passports might be helpful.

Findings

There was qualified support for the first and third questions and little awareness of any training for health staff on spiritual matters.

Practical implications

Other strategic priorities within the LD service precluded the first step of auditing what Community learning disability team staff currently do in relation to the spiritual needs of their clients.

Social implications

However, by allowing more obvious pressing concerns to predominate, especially in the context of cutbacks, we may be overlooking a potential source of distress as well as an opportunity to promote an avenue to meaningful relationships.

Originality/value

The author poses questions for future research and practice, giving examples from clinical experience.

Citation

Wilson, C. (2011), "Is there a case for community learning disability teams considering the spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities?", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595471111158675