Health screening has been shown to have beneficial effects on health outcomes in adults with intellectual disability. However, the nature of the population, which makes it difficult to recruit, has meant past studies have been relatively small and effect estimates unstable. This study conducted a pooled analysis of two randomised trials and one cohort study, containing a total of 795 participants. Use of a simple, low-cost screening tool produced substantial increases in health-promotion and disease-prevention activity, when compared with usual care.

GPs perceive the CHAP as a structured and comprehensive approach to the detection of medical problems as well as an aid in overcoming communication barriers between the doctor and the person with disability. Our findings suggest that some GPs may find it difficult to predict the benefits of using health assessments such as the CHAP. Achieving optimal uptake is likely to require attention at policy and systems levels to address: GP time constraints in providing healthcare to this population; enhancement of support worker training and organisational structures to encourage comprehensive health assessment and follow-up activities; and GP awareness of the improved health outcomes shown to derive from the use of comprehensive health assessments.

This article arose from an Australian project designed to develop educational and training material in relation to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people with disability. The project was supported by the Queensland Association of Healthy Communities (QAHC) and the Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD). A resource was developed and its aim is to create greater awareness and understanding within the community that LGBT people with intellectual disability exist and to provide education and training to disability organizations. We aim to present the complexity of issues which prevent LGBT people with intellectual disability from living full lives and having opportunities for sexual expression.