Family planning for women with learning disabilities

Nurs Times. 1998 Oct;94(40):60-1.

Abstract

PIP: An outreach program developed in England by the Merton and Sutton Community and Family Planning Services is effectively addressing the unmet reproductive health needs of women with learning disabilities. A specially trained community health nurse visits prospective clients at their residence and, through use of teaching aids, demonstrates breast self-examination and condom use and explains what will take place at the upcoming clinic visit. Of the 125 learning disabled women who used this program during its first 18 months of operation, only three had previously accessed the community's family planning services. 50% of services provided to this population were annual well-woman checks, 20% related to contraception, and 30% were for counseling on concerns such as domestic violence. Most of these women required a specialized approach that would not have been forthcoming from a generic family planning service or a general practitioner.

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Nursing
  • Family Planning Services / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / rehabilitation*
  • Needs Assessment
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Women's Health Services / organization & administration*