No abstract

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disability (ID) expressed dissatisfaction with doctor-patient communication and mentioned certain preferences for this communication (our research). Since many people with ID in the Netherlands have recently moved from residential care facilities to supported accommodations in the community, medical care for them was transferred from ID physicians (IDPs) to general practitioners (GPs) in the vicinity of the new accommodation. We addressed the following research question: 'What are the similarities and differences between the communication preferences of people with ID and the professional criteria for doctor-patient communication by GPs?'MethodsA focus group meeting and interviews were used to identify the preferences of 12 persons with ID for good communication with their GP; these were compared with communication criteria used to assess trainee GPs, as described in the MAAS-Global manual.ResultsEight preferences for doctor-patient communication were formulated by the people with ID. Six of them matched the criteria used for GPs. Improvements are required as regards the time available for consultation, demonstrating physical examinations before applying them and triadic communication.ConclusionsPeople with ID hold strong views on communication with their doctors during consultations. GPs, people with ID and their support workers can further fine-tune their communication skills.

In spite of decades of promoting autonomy, the exercise of autonomy in relation to health has so far rarely been an issue in the literature.

Compared with 1988, there has been a slight decrease in the prevalence of people with ID in the Netherlands, even though we included all age groups and even people with ID of who were not included in ID care services records. By using general practitioner databases it was possible to identify these not registered people with ID.

IC patients improved their average ICD and ACD. The walking exercise program in the home environment with coaching according to the HCM seems a promising intervention to be tested in a randomized controlled trial.